Dutch teenager falls to death from cliff at viewpoint in Krabi

An 18 year old Dutch teenager yesterday fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in the southern province of Krabi after he became separated from his family.

A Dutch couple, Karin Monique Valkhoff and Rinus Gerard Bakker, yesterday, July 31, sought help from Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park rangers after their 18 year old son, Tim Bakker, went missing while trekking the Ngon Nak Nature Trail.

The couple told the rangers that they visited the travel destination together at about 10.20am that day. During their return trip, Bakker told his parents that he felt exhausted and thirsty. So, the parents asked him to wait at the Nak Waterfall, saying they would return with water and food.

Unfortunately, they could not find their son upon their return. They called him but he did not answer the phone. The rangers then launched a search for the teenage boy all night without any success.

The search resumed today, August 1. Officers tracked Bakker’s phone signal to beneath the cliff at the viewpoint. They abseiled down the cliff to search for the foreign teenager and used drones to search from a bird’s-eye view.

The tragic news was released at 1.30pm today by Krabi Phithak Pracha Rescue Foundation. The rescue team reported that they discovered Bakker’s dead body down the cliff at the viewpoint. Rescuers and rangers suspect he slipped and fell down the cliff while enjoying the view.

Ngon Nak Mountain, Ngon Nak Nature Trail, or Dragon’s Crest is a popular destination for both foreign and domestic tourists. Visitors visit the place to enjoy the peaceful forest vibes, the beautiful view of Krabi Sea, and the sunrise.

MGR Online reported that a foreigner with depression chose to end his life at the place two years ago while tourists often get lost at the place. Locals in the area believe that Ngon Nak Mountain is a sacred place where Nak, also known as Naga, previously lived in the past.