Tourists swept away by flash flood at Chiang Mai waterfall after ignoring warnings
Despite warning from officials, the tourists reportedly continued into the area to take photos.
PHOTO: Screengrab/Facebook/Arttie Martin
PUBLISHED ONAugust 20, 2026 8:03 AMUPDATEDAugust 20, 2026 12:38 PMBYAsyiqin Nadzri
Several tourists were swept away by a flash flood at a waterfall in Chiang Mai, after reportedly entering a restricted area despite warnings from park officials.
The tourists were taking photos at Mae Sa Waterfall on Saturday (Aug 15) when the water level suddenly rose, according to The Straits Times.
Video footage shared on Facebook by user Arttie Martin show several visitors becoming stranded as water rapidly surges around them.
Some were swept downstream by the strong currents, while others could be heard screaming for help.
In the Facebook post, Martin said they were about to take off their shoes and walk towards the waterfall to take photos when they heard a whistle.
They said the situation changed within "a fraction of a second", prompting them to share the footage as a warning to other tourists visiting waterfalls during the rainy season.
The post urged visitors to pay attention to warning signs and instructions from park staff, as well as changes in the water's colour, level and current strength.
Park rangers subsequently brought the tourists to safety.
No serious injuries were reported, although some tourists sustained minor scratches.
Thai PBS World reported that Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, had instructed the chiefs of all national parks to strengthen safety measures during the rainy season and warn tourists about the risk of flash floods.
Atthaphon also reminded tourists visiting waterfalls to take warnings about flash floods seriously and strictly follow instructions from park officials.
Authorities noted that the water levels have since receded, though the waterfall remains closed.
@asiaone Tourists were swept downstream after a sudden surge hit Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai. Park rangers rescued the group, who escaped with minor injuries. #news #Thailand #ChiangMai #FlashFlood #Waterfall ♬ original sound - AsiaOne