TRANG — 4 June 2026, Search teams on Thursday found the body of a 54-year-old woman who had been missing for four days in the forest of Khao Chet Yot, a popular natural attraction on the Banthat mountain range spanning Trang and Phatthalung provinces.
The victim, Wantanee, also known as “Ae”, from Mueang district in Nonthaburi province, disappeared on Monday while hiking with friends and local guides.
More than 100 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, wildlife sanctuary officials, police, local administrators, rescue workers and villagers, took part in the search operation despite steep terrain and intermittent heavy rain. Authorities had planned to deploy thermal-imaging drones with police assistance if she was not located by Thursday.
A breakthrough came on Thursday morning when search teams discovered discarded wet wipes near a creek upstream of Ton Te Waterfall in Palian sub-district. The site was located about 5 km uphill from Nan Sato Waterfall, the usual descent route from Khao Chet Yot. Believing the wipes had been used two to three days earlier, officials adjusted their search plan and concentrated efforts in the area.
Between 14:30 and 15:30, rescuers located Wantanee’s body near Nhan Yan Sai, an upper watershed area above Ton Te Waterfall characterised by steep cliffs and fast-flowing streams. Officials first spotted her pink backpack lodged among boulders in a stream before a detailed search led to the discovery of her body nearby.
Investigators believe she may have strayed onto the Nhan Yan Sai route, a rugged and hazardous trail known for slippery rock formations during periods of rain. The route is generally avoided even by experienced local hunters. Authorities suspect she may have lost her footing while crossing a stream or navigating the rocks, resulting in a fatal fall. However, the exact cause of death has yet to be determined pending an autopsy and further examination of evidence.
After receiving the report, police officers, forensic personnel, rescue workers, wildlife sanctuary officials and experienced local hunters trekked for at least two hours to reach the scene, carrying field stretchers, medical supplies, drinking water, flashlights and food. Despite strong winds and persistent rain, teams began transporting the body down the mountain.
Following an operation lasting more than five hours, officials successfully brought the body to the base of the mountain. They also recovered personal belongings from the victim’s backpack, including food, drinking water, a portable gas canister, clothing and other personal items.
Meanwhile, Sinruasak Chusieon, a Phatthalung tour guide who led the trekking group on the day of the incident and participated throughout the search effort, developed fever and chills while assisting near the recovery site. He was taken to Palian Hospital for treatment. According to reports, he had previously suffered injuries and muscle cramps during the operation but continued returning to the mountain to assist in the search.
News of the discovery prompted condolences from local residents and members of Thailand’s hiking community, many of whom also praised the dedication of officials and volunteers who worked in difficult conditions throughout the four-day search.
