A sightseeing trip to Chon Buri, Thailand, turned tragic for a 55-year-old Thai tourist after he allegedly slipped while taking a selfie at the Namtok Chan Ta Then Waterfall — highlighting the importance of Thailand travel insurance for anyone heading overseas.
The victim, Daechathorn Thiantubtim, reportedly fell from the fourth tier of the waterfall on 12 August, striking his head on a rock. Rescue teams were alerted at 2:36pm local time, but by the time they reached him, he had already succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities discovered him lying face down in the water with severe facial injuries and a broken right leg. His mobile phone, still attached to a selfie stick, was found nearby — a stark reminder of how a quick photo can turn into a fatal incident.
Steep, Slippery Terrain Delays Rescue Efforts
The 1.5-kilometre trek to the fourth tier of the waterfall is notoriously steep, with slippery rocks making it dangerous, especially during Thailand’s rainy season. It took rescuers significant time to navigate the hazardous route, and transporting Daechathorn’s body to the hospital for an autopsy took about two hours.
Travel safety experts stress the importance of comprehensive travel insurance that covers overseas accidents, medical evacuation, and even legal assistance if required. For Singaporeans travelling abroad, a policy that includes accident lawyer consultation can make a world of difference in emergencies.
Such incidents also highlight the growing phenomenon of “selfie deaths,” where tourists put themselves in risky positions for the sake of capturing the perfect shot.
Fellow Tourist Shares Final Conversation
Another traveller, Setthapong, told local media that he had spoken to Daechathorn on the way up. The victim had advised him not to continue further, saying there was “nothing interesting” at the top.
Setthapong carried on and later spotted Daechathorn taking photos at the spot where the accident occurred. On his descent, he noticed the area had gone unusually quiet, found the victim’s backpack, and then discovered his body at the base of the cliff.
Tourism authorities in Chon Buri are now facing calls for better safety barriers, clearer warning signs, and mandatory safety briefings for hikers. For travellers, experts recommend checking hiking safety tips before visiting high-risk spots — and ensuring they have overseas travel insurance that covers accidents in remote locations.