MAE HONG SON — 4 June 2026, Authorities in northern Thailand rescued a group of 18 tourists after they became stranded in a forest following heavy rainfall that triggered a flash flood, officials said.
The rescue operation began late on 3 June, when members of the Mae Sariang Territorial Defence Volunteers and officials from Mae Sariang National Park responded to reports that a group of tourists had become trapped near Doi Lak Saen in Mae Hong Son province.
Heavy rain in the area caused a sudden surge in water levels in Huai Pu Stream, preventing the group from continuing on foot or crossing the waterway. The tourists sent their location coordinates to authorities, enabling rescuers to pinpoint their position.
Officials subsequently located the group and escorted them to safety. Authorities said all tourists were unharmed.
The rescued visitors were taken to the Mae Sariang Immigration Checkpoint for preliminary checks before being allowed to continue their journeys home.
Mae Sariang District Chief Worraphak Phanthong urged residents and tourists to exercise caution when travelling in forested areas during the rainy season.
He warned that heavy rainfall and flash floods could quickly make routes impassable and leave travellers stranded. He advised visitors to familiarise themselves with entry and exit routes before entering forests and to ensure their mobile phones are fully charged, with backup power sources available in case of emergencies.