Lost Italian tourist rescued after night in Phuket jungle

An Italian tourist thanked local officials for their efforts after launching a search to find him when he got lost in the jungle near Nai Yang Beach, Phuket.

Tomas Garcia Martin, a 34 year old Italian national, found himself disoriented during a fishing trip on October 13. Realising his predicament, he contacted the Pullman Naithon Hotel, where he was staying, to inform the staff that he was lost and his phone battery was running low. He mentioned he would wait near some rocks until help arrived.

Despite launching a search that night, local police could not locate Martin. The following day, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Thirawat Liamsuwan resumed the search but the morning efforts yielded no results.

The extensive search team included acting Superintendent of Sakhu Police Station Kraisorn Chomchuen, 10 officers from Sakhu Police Station, two Tourist Police officers, seven officers from the Phuket Provincial Police Crime Suppression Division, two officers from the Tourist Assistance Centre, five officers from Sirinath National Park, the village headman from Moo 4, Baan Nai Thon, two rescue workers and experienced locals familiar with the trails.

They divided into two teams and scoured the forest and beaches around the Sakhu hills and surrounding areas. By 5pm, Martin had not been located, prompting the team to try contacting him via text message. Fortunately, Martin responded, informing them that he had safely exited the forest around 1pm and was now staying at a hotel in Phuket Town, reported The Phuket News.

Police met with Martin to ensure his well-being. Upon realising the extent of the search efforts, Martin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.

In related news, two tourists, a Russian man and a Chinese woman, were found safe but exhausted after getting lost in the forest on Doi Nang Meh in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. The search and rescue operation involved local police and rescue teams.