The body of a missing 28-year-old Belgian tourist has been found in a creek near the Mae Yen Waterfall in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. The discovery comes after an intensive search that began on September 6, when the woman was reported missing during a nature tour in the area.
On September 7, 2024, Chuchip Phongchai, Governor of Mae Hong Son, provided an update on the case. The tourist, identified as Mrs. Cloe Ferari, had vanished while exploring the natural trails around the Mae Yen Waterfall. A search was initiated by local authorities, but by the following morning, she had not yet been located. A coordinated effort involving multiple agencies was launched to comb through areas where she was likely to have traveled.
By midday, search teams discovered the tourist’s clothing near the Mae Yen Creek dam. In response, officials drained the dam’s waters and shortly thereafter, found her body submerged in the creek. She was declared deceased at the scene.
Local police, along with the Mae Hong Son Tourist Police, immigration officials, medical personnel from Pai Hospital, and rescue teams, were tasked with investigating the circumstances of her death. Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy and have coordinated with the Belgian Embassy to manage further proceedings.
It was reported that Mrs. Ferari had set out on her bicycle the night of September 6 or early on September 7, without her bag or shoes. Her abandoned bicycle was found along the route to Mae Yen Waterfall in Mae Hi Subdistrict, sparking concerns and prompting the search that led to her tragic discovery.
Officials are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the accident and any potential factors contributing to the incident.