knife-edge escapade: Tourist stirs controversy in Kanchanaburi National Park (video)
A video clip shot by a porter at Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi sparked controversy after it showed tourists climbing down the treacherous Knife Ridge without any park officials in sight.
The porter, identified only as Daeng, was later forced to apologise for the video, which he said was filmed while park officials were temporarily assisting a tourist who had fallen ill.
The video clip was filmed on November 26, during a group of tourists’ descent from the challenging Chang Phueak Mountain within the national park. In the video, Daeng commented on the apparent lack of park officials supervising the dangerous descent. The clip quickly went viral, causing a stir among netizens.
Today, November 30, Daeng, alongside two other porters Tim and Noi, apologised to the head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, Ratchasit Jongjaraspon, and his team of park officials. The apology was also extended to the public who had expressed various opinions on the matter.
Tim, one of the porters, revealed that the video was shot when Daeng, unaware that the park officials were behind him, was attempting to capture a light-hearted moment. He explained that the park officials were present at the scene, but were busy attending to a tourist who had succumbed to fatigue.
The officials had escorted the ailing tourist to the camping ground below, a task that took less than a minute, after which they returned to supervise the remaining tourists at Knife Ridge, reported KhaoSod.
Daeng admitted to being the one who filmed the clip but was unsure of who had released it to the public. He expressed his regret for the damage caused to the reputation of Thong Pha Phum National Park and has since reported the facts to the Director of the Department of National Parks.
The controversial clip, which runs for 45 seconds, captures a group of tourists as they descend from Knife Ridge, the most challenging and thrilling part of Chang Phueak Mountain.
Following the release of the news and video clip, many netizens have expressed their opinions, predominantly offering support and appreciation for the park officials’ services. Most of these commentators have had firsthand experience of the challenging Knife Ridge.
