Officials puzzled how missing young man survived in the jungle for a week

TNR Staff

2 years ago

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THE BIG WEEK-LONG search for a Thai tourist missing on Phu Soi Dao mountain at Phu Soi Dao National Park, Uttaradit, ended this morning (July 11) when the young man walked out of the jungle on his own and is still in good health with officials puzzled by his miraculous survival, TV Channel 7 said this afternoon.

Mr. Thanawarich, or Ford, 27, a resident of Mahasarakham disappeared after registering to hike up to the peak of this mountain on July 4 but as he did not return by 5.30 p.m. a big search was launched with a helicopter also joining in since Sunday.

Early the next day (July 5) park officials contacted the missing tourist’s relatives who said he is a psychiatric patient and had to have medicine regularly. However he did not mention any health problems when registering to hike to the peak.

It seemed like a miracle when he walked out of the jungle on his own, healthy and safe, with officials then quickly rushing him to Chatrakan Hospital in Phitsanulok for a checkup.

Upon being questioned about his ordeal in the jungle, Thanawarich did not give any clear answers. Asked whether he heard the helicopter flying around searching for him he said he did not hear anything at all.

Asked how he survived this many days in the jungle, he said he did not eat anything nor does he remember what occurred up on the forested mountain, adding that he was unaware and only regained consciousness when it seemed something fell on him so he walked out of the jungle.

Doctors said as Thanwarich was dehydrated and lacked minerals they are giving saline solution. Blood tests showed he did not have hemorrhagic or typhoid fever nor malaria with a urine test clearing him of drug use. He will be hospitalised at least one night.

CAPTION:

Mr. Thanawarich after he walked out of the jungle this morning and the big search for him. Photos: Naewna