Delighting nature enthusiasts, the plant was unveiled "Mystery Owl's Eye" also known as "Mystery Thai Gold" a tiny plant with a striking appearance, recognized as a rare species worldwide, appearing in the midst of Umphang forest exclusively during the rainy season.
On 17 August 2026, reporters reported that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tak Office, in collaboration with the Umphang District Tourism Club and Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, surveyed nature in search of rare plants in the Umphang forest. They recently found the "Mystery Owl's Eye" or "Mystery Thai Gold," a tiny plant with a distinctive look that appears during the rainy season, drawing great interest from tourists and nature lovers alike.
The Mystery Owl's Eye hides within the forest, blending with its environment due to its small size. Each search requires careful observation. Its distinctive feature is its unique shape resembling an owl's eye, which inspired its name and has become an intriguing part of Umphang's biodiversity, especially visible during the rainy season.
Additionally, the Mystery Owl's Eye has a relationship with soil fungi, reflecting the interconnectedness of living organisms within the ecosystem and indicating the forest's richness—a natural resource that all parties must work together to protect.
Ms. Thamolwan Charoenwongpisit, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tak Office, surveyed the hiking trail at Doi Hua Mot, Umphang Subdistrict, Umphang District, Tak Province, joining the search for the Mystery Owl's Eye, a rare plant and one of Umphang's natural highlights. She was accompanied by the president of the Umphang Tourism Promotion and Conservation Club and the assistant chief of the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Although there was light rain during the survey, it added freshness and charm to the forest. The team found the Mystery Owl's Eye growing healthily, impressing all participants on the journey.
Ms. Thamolwan said that finding the Mystery Owl's Eye requires careful walking and close observation, as the plant is small. Cameras or mobile phone zoom functions can help appreciate its details. Discovering this plant is a fascinating experience for tourists who enjoy nature and eco-tourism.
Tourists are invited to experience Umphang's nature, especially during the opening of the Thi Lo Su Waterfall tourism season starting 1 September 2026. Visitors can explore nature trails and join the search for the Mystery Owl's Eye, one of Umphang forest's natural wonders. This rare plant begins to bloom from the rainy season through October.
Mr. Pakpoom Minrin, president of the Umphang Tourism Promotion and Conservation Club, said that currently, the Mystery Owl's Eye is beginning to form and bloom, visible from now until about October.
Today's survey found many Mystery Owl's Eye plants starting to bloom beautifully. He invited tourists and nature enthusiasts to visit and witness this rare plant's wonder in Umphang District, Tak Province.
"Mystery Owl's Eye" is a rare plant distinguished as one of Umphang's natural charms. Visitors not only enjoy pristine nature but also have the opportunity to see this rare blooming plant during its season. Travel is convenient with paved roads from Umphang town to Ban Palatha route at kilometer 8 on the left. A short hike of a few hundred meters leads to the Mystery Owl's Eye growing beneath pine trees.
However, tourists are urged to travel responsibly—do not pick or damage the plants—and help conserve the Mystery Owl's Eye and nature to preserve these beauties for future generations in Umphang forest.