SURAT THANI: A Spanish couple has been found safe and well after going missing while on a walk in a forest on Koh Phangan.
The couple became lost and called for help, sparking a six-hour search on Thursday that extended late into the night.
The island's tourist assistant centre was informed via Tourist Police Hotline 1155 at around 4.30pm that two tourists, heading back from the Khao Ra viewpoint to their hotel, had become lost in a forest.
A 50-member team of local and tourist police, national park officials and rescue workers was assembled and began a search.
More than six hours later, a relieved Jose Landuce, 41, and his companion, Esther De La Fluente Hermandez, 39, were found near a stream around 11pm.
Both appeared fine and had no injuries. They told police they went to Khao Ra around 9am on Thursday and left the viewpoint in the afternoon to return to their accommodation but got lost on the way.
Mr Landuce said he then phoned the hotline seeking help.
Surat Thani governor Wichawut Jinto praised the rescuers for their swift action.
Officials were ready to provide assistance to visitors at all times, the governor said.