7-8-2024 (BANGKOK) In a harrowing incident reminiscent of a deadly 2007 tragedy, the tranquil beauty of Khao Sok National Park has once again been marred by loss of life. Early Wednesday morning, rescue teams discovered the body of a Thai tour guide within the treacherous confines of Nam Talu cave, following a sudden and severe flooding event that trapped a group of 24 individuals on Tuesday.
The ill-fated excursion, which included both local and international tourists, took a dire turn when unexpected heavy rains caused water levels to rise rapidly within the cave system. While 22 tourists and one guide were successfully evacuated on Tuesday evening, hopes for a complete rescue were dashed with the grim discovery of 37-year-old Pongyos Kerddee’s body.
Kerddee, an experienced guide hailing from Ubon Ratchathani, had been leading the group through the cave when disaster struck. His remains were transported to Ban Ta Khun Hospital for post-mortem examination, as confirmed by a national park official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The incident has cast a shadow over the picturesque Khao Sok National Park, a sprawling 741-square-kilometre natural wonder in Thailand’s southern province. Nam Talu cave, nestled within the grounds of the Rajjaprabha Dam (also known as Cheow Lan Dam) in Ban Ta Khun district, is a popular yet perilous attraction. Its remote location, accessible only after a two-hour boat journey from the nearest pier, adds to both its allure and danger.
This tragic event has rekindled memories of a similar disaster that unfolded in October 2007. On that occasion, eight foreign tourists lost their lives when a flash flood trapped them inside the same cave for over 24 hours. The sole survivor of that incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cave exploration in this region.
Two foreign tourists from the current group sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were also taken to Ban Ta Khun Hospital for treatment. Their nationalities have not been disclosed at this time.
The recurring nature of such incidents raises serious questions about the safety measures in place for cave exploration in the area. Local authorities and tourism officials will undoubtedly face scrutiny over their decision to allow tours in a location with such a deadly history, particularly during periods of potential heavy rainfall.
