General
Three Thong Pha Phum Forest Rangers Found Safe
Three forest rangers who went missing during an anti-poaching patrol in Kanchanaburi have been located safe and sound.
On August 12, 2026, authorities confirmed that three forest rangers from Thong Pha Phum National Park, who had lost contact during a patrol, were found safe in the Pilok Khi village area of Kanchanaburi province. The rangers—identified as Somchai Santat (44), Pornphawit Chimpli (31), and Phajue Sangkhlawikul (29)—had been conducting an operation to combat illegal gold mining activities when they went missing.
According to Khaosod Online, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin had been monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prioritize the search and rescue mission. The successful recovery of the team brings an end to the immediate concern regarding their safety.
For residents and travelers in the Kanchanaburi region, this incident highlights the ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal resource extraction in protected forest areas. While the rangers have been found, the broader context of the patrol—the crackdown on illegal gold mining—remains an active issue in the area. Travelers visiting remote parts of Thong Pha Phum should remain aware that these regions are subject to strict conservation laws and active monitoring by authorities. Further details regarding the specific circumstances that led to the loss of contact have not been disclosed, and the investigation into the illegal activities they were patrolling remains ongoing.