KRABI, THAILAND – A 52-year-old British tourist was rescued with a broken leg after crashing into a cliff during an illegal paragliding flight in a national park.
Paraglider crashes into cliff above Ton Sai Beach
The accident occurred on 28 January at around 10:27 a.m. in the western area of Ao Railay near Ton Sai Beach in Krabi province. Rangers from Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park discovered the incident during a routine patrol. They found the man hanging 60 to 70 meters up a steep rock face, his parachute tangled in rocks and trees.
Drones used to assess trapped tourist
Initial assessments by responders indicated that a sudden shift in wind had blown the paraglider off course and slammed the pilot against the cliff. To plan the rescue, the rangers first deployed a drone to check the exact position and condition of the Briton. Footage showed that he had suffered leg injuries but was conscious and able to communicate clearly with rescuers.
Specialist cliff rescue after hours of planning
The rangers contacted emergency medical services and the Krabi Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, requesting specially trained teams for climbing and high-angle rescue. The steep rock structure made the operation complex and time-consuming. After hours of planning and a cautious ascent, the team finally brought the injured man safely down from the cliff at 4:37 p.m.
Broken leg confirmed at Krabi hospital
On site, the Briton received first aid before being transported to Wattanapat Hospital. Medical staff confirmed abrasions to his leg and a fracture of a leg bone. No further details on his condition were provided in the official information.
Paragliding ban in Thai national parks
Authorities emphasized that paragliding in the national park was prohibited by law. The National Park Act bans activities that could affect natural resources or wildlife unless explicitly authorized by the park management or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Officials had not yet announced what legal consequences the Briton might face.
Earlier drone incident in Khao Yai National Park
The accident formed part of a series of rule violations in protected areas. On 21 January, a foreign visitor in Khao Yai National Park was reported for flying a drone without permission. According to authorities, a herd of elephants panicked when the drone flew too close, causing the animals to flee, though neither elephants nor people were injured.
No sanctions yet in Khao Yai drone case
Despite strong public criticism, no sanctions had been announced so far in the drone incident. Officials did not disclose whether further measures were being considered in response to repeated breaches of park regulations.