The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ordered an urgent, intensified search for three forest rangers of Thong Pha Phum National Park who went missing while patrolling to suppress illegal gold mining operations in Pilok Kee.
At 08:00 on 12 August 2026, Thong Pha Phum National Park reported coordinating with the Task Force Lat Ya military unit for joint support in searching for three forest rangers who had been patrolling the forest area around Pilok Kee Village 4, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province. Their mission was to protect and suppress illegal gold ore mining in the Pilok Kee mountain area.
Since yesterday, the national park has been unable to contact the three forest rangers, who missed the scheduled meeting at Pilok Kee village since then. Communication attempts failed amid continuous heavy rain and the dense forest environment, which is home to abundant wildlife, notably several tigers known for their aggressiveness. Immediate search and rescue efforts are therefore underway.
At 08:20, Mr. Rachan Bua Tree, Director of Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong), Department of National Parks, went to Pilok Kee village to hold a meeting with Mr. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, Senior Forestry Academic and Head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, along with the special task force, Task Force Lat Ya military unit, and Border Patrol Police Company 135 to plan urgent field operations.
Mr. Yutthapong Damsrisuk revealed that the three missing forest rangers included two newly assigned personnel and one experienced ranger. Since 5 August 2026, all three have been patrolling the area regularly. They were scheduled to regroup at Pilok Kee village on 11 August 2026, but have yet to emerge from the forest.
Out of concern, the national park coordinated with Task Force Lat Ya and Border Patrol Police Company 135 (Thong Pha Phum) to form a joint task force to search the area. The combined forces are divided into two teams: one starting from the patrol entry point and the other moving from Pilok Kee village in reverse. Travel time is expected to be substantial due to heavy rain and flash floods, but the search will continue until the three are found.
Most recently, at 08:30, the Department of National Parks posted on Facebook: "Urgent! The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has dispatched a helicopter to conduct a comprehensive search for Thong Pha Phum park rangers missing while suppressing illegal gold mining."
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.