Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tourist stuck in Thailand during pandemic falls 50ft to his death while taking selfies at waterfall

The backpacker ignored warning signs to steer clear of the edge, an officials says

Clea Skopeliti
Wednesday 09 September 2020 13:28 BST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An Uzbekistani tourist has died after falling off the edge of a 50-feet waterfall in southern Thailand while taking a selfie, officials have said.

Soipov Abdullokh, 22, had been hiking through Ngao Waterfall National Park in Ranong province with six friends on Saturday morning when the accident took place, according to the Chiang Rai Times.

The backpacker, who was stuck in Thailand due to the coronavirus pandemic, allegedly ignored warning signs not to stand at the top of waterfalls as he tried to take a photo in the national park. 

He slipped on the wet rocks and plunged some 50 feet to his death.

Paramedics arrived at the scene about two hours later to find his body on the jagged rocks below the waterfall, with a deep wound to his head. 

The 22-year-old was declared dead at the scene and his body was transported to  the Ranong Hospital for a post-mortem examination. 

Chalit Sinrojthanakorn, head government officer for the national park, said Mr Abdullokh had ignored warnings not approach the edge of the waterfall due to its slippery surface. 

He said: “As soon as we received the call we immediately co-ordinated with the rescue foundation and the police.

“The young foreign tourist and his friends rented motorbikes and travelled from Phuket to view the beautiful scenery.

“The deceased walked off the path set out by authorities to climb the waterfall. He then slipped on a rock and fell. His body crashed against the rocks below and he was bleeding through the mouth and nose. The death was very quick.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in