KRABI — A 54-year-old Canadian man died after collapsing while climbing the 1,260-step staircase to the summit of Tiger Cave or Wat Tham Suea Vipassana in Krabi on 29 March, rescue workers said.
Rescuers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call from the 1669 command center. They found the man unconscious at step 1,100, without a pulse. Fellow tourists and rescue personnel attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.
Due to the man’s weight of over 100 kilograms, rescuers had to carefully lower his body on a stretcher using ropes to bring him down the steep hill. Initial reports indicated he had been walking up the stairs with his wife when he suddenly collapsed.
The Tiger Cave temple climb is known for its steep ascent, requiring visitors to climb 1,260 steps to reach the top. The Canadian tourist’s death is the second reported at the site within three days. On March 26, a 68-year-old Thai man also collapsed near the base of the Buddha statue and later died.
Authorities have urged visitors to take precautions, especially in hot weather or if they have underlying health conditions, due to the temple’s strenuous climb.
