Bangkok: The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered an urgent search for three missing forest rangers from Thong Pha Phum National Park. The rangers disappeared while on patrol to suppress illegal gold mining activities in the Pilok Kee area.
According to Thai News Agency, the search operation involves a coordinated effort led by Mr. Rachan Buatree, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 3, under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Mr. Buatree recently visited Ban Pilokki to meet with a special task force, including soldiers from the Lad Ya Task Force and Border Patrol Police Company 135, to devise an urgent plan for the search.
The three forest rangers were on a routine patrol and were expected to return to Pilokki village on August 11, 2026. However, they have not been seen since their scheduled return date, prompting the urgent search efforts.
As of 8:30 AM, an announcement was made on the National Parks Department's Facebook page stating: "Urgent! The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered an urgent search for the three missing park rangers. Helicopters have been dispatched for a comprehensive search of the Thong Pha Phum National Park area."