79-Year-Old Woman Found Safe After Night Lost in Buriram Forest
A 79-year-old woman has been safely reunited with her family after spending a night lost in a forest near the Thai-Cambodian border.
On October 16, 2026, a 79-year-old woman identified as Mrs. Jantra, or 'Yai Ngok,' was found safe after going missing in a forest area near the Thai-Cambodian border in Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province. According to Khaosod Online, the woman had entered the forest to forage for mushrooms with relatives on the afternoon of October 15 but became separated from her group.
Following her disappearance, a search operation involving over 200 personnel from various agencies was launched. The search concluded on the morning of October 16 when a local villager tending to buffaloes spotted the woman walking out of the forest in an exhausted state. She was subsequently reunited with her family, who held a traditional 'phuk kaen' ceremony to welcome her back.
Mrs. Jantra recounted a surreal experience during her night in the woods, describing a mysterious white light that she could not touch. Her relatives also reported feeling uneasy during the search, noting that they had experienced unsettling visions of deceased family members. While the woman has returned home safely, this incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with entering dense, unfamiliar forest terrain, particularly near border regions. Travelers and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing into remote forested areas without local guidance or proper preparation.
