Chonburi mobilized over 40 rescuers to search for two female trail runners lost in Khao Chalak forest before successfully rescuing them.
At 19:40 on 7 July 2026, the Sawang Prateep Si Racha Rescue Radio Center in Chonburi received a distress call from two female tourists lost on the Khao Chalak trail in Village 4, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi. They coordinated with over 40 rescue personnel and volunteers, bringing search equipment including flashlights, ropes, first aid kits, and path clearing tools to enter the area on foot and expedite assistance.
Upon notification, rescuers assembled and split into two teams to search on foot using GPS coordinates sent by the missing women, who remained reachable by mobile phone. The victims were identified as Ms. Supakson, 29, and Ms. Meentra, 32, both continuously requesting help from the rescue team.
Rescuers trekked about 2 kilometers into the forest along a steep path filled with trees and branches. As it was near dusk with limited light, they used flashlights and called out periodically. After roughly 30 minutes, they found the two women exhausted and weak but physically stable and uninjured. The rescuers gave them water and rest before safely guiding them down from Khao Chalak.
When interviewed, Ms. Supakson said they had gone out for exercise in the evening, ascending via the Red Stairway. On their return, they tried to change routes by taking Trail D but got lost and couldn’t find an exit. Despite attempts to navigate via phone maps, they failed and sent GPS coordinates to a boyfriend waiting at the mountain’s base to coordinate rescue. After wandering for a while, they stopped to rest and await help. Hearing rescuers brought them great relief, and they expressed gratitude to all rescue personnel for their dedicated assistance that allowed their safe descent.
The rescue team received the call at 19:40, started searching at 20:10, found the missing women at 20:42, and successfully brought them down, much to the relief of relatives and those waiting below.
Officials advised those who enjoy trail running or hiking in Khao Chalak to study routes in advance, avoid changing paths without local knowledge, and refrain from entering the forest near dusk to prevent getting lost and potential dangers.