A missing 85-year-old grandfather was successfully rescued six days after he disappeared from his home near Surat Thani, Thailand. Vichian Aonchinda, affectionately known as "Tonoi," was found disoriented and weak by search teams after extensive efforts to locate him.
The search began on February 22 when Vichian went missing from the palm plantation behind his house located on Soi Khao Luksue, Moo 6, Khong Sak, Panom District. Authorities received reports from the village headman, prompting immediate action.
Local officials rallied quickly to search for Vichian. Panom District Chief Suchao Tumosik coordinated the efforts, which included the police, local ordinances, and community members—part of the volunteer teams patrolling suspected areas for the missing person.
By February 27, after days of tireless searching, which included drones for aerial views of the area, officials successfully located Vichian approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the last known sighting. He was reported to be found near a natural waterway, visibly exhausted but alive.
"We gathered all available resources—civil defense volunteers, local police, and even members of the national park service. We wanted to bring him home as soon as possible," said Chief Suchao.
After being discovered, Vichian was transported to Panom Hospital for necessary medical attention due to his weakened state. The operation, spanning across six days and involving numerous teams, showcased the spirit of community and determination, leading to the happy reunion of the family.
The Panom District administration has since debriefed the search operation, deeming it successful, and officially closed the missing persons search center on the same day Vichian was found, summarizing the collaborative rescue efforts and the intense protocols followed.