Krabi –
A rescue took place at Railay Beach in Krabi after a British tourist became stranded on a cliff face during an illegal Base Jumping attempt. Thai park officials confirmed that the man was safely rescued and hospitalized, but explained that legal proceedings will follow for violating national park regulations.
Mr .Kriengkrai Paocharoen, Chief of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park told the Phuket Express that patrol officers spotted the tourist, identified only as Mr. Thaddeus, 52, from the United Kingdom, trapped on a cliff approximately 60–70 meters above sea level on January 28. Strong winds had diverted his parachute, leaving him suspended and injured on the rock face.
Park authorities coordinated with the Railay Information Center, emergency medical services (1669), the provincial disaster prevention office, and local climbing experts. Drones were deployed to assess the situation before a joint rescue operation was launched. After nearly six hours, the team successfully lowered the tourist to safety at 4:37 p.m. He was found with a deformed left leg and multiple abrasions, and was immediately transferred to a hospital in Ao Nang for treatment.
Surasak Anusorn, Director of Protected Area Regional Office 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat), stressed that the incident shows the dangers of unauthorized extreme sports in protected areas. He cited the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019), which requires visitors to comply with official instructions and prohibits activities outside permitted tourism. Violations are subject to penalties under Section 47 of the Act.
“Entering restricted zones or engaging in hazardous activities without permission is a clear offense. We will pursue legal action decisively to prevent copycat incidents and safeguard lives and property,” Surasak said.
Officials reiterated that climbing and extreme sports at Railay’s cliffs remain prohibited unless formally authorized. The case will now be investigated and evidence compiled for prosecution.
