Agony as foreign tourist breaks back at Thai waterfall

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News News Network): A foreign tourist broke his back in a motorbiking accident at a waterfall in the backpacking hotspot of Pai, Mae Hong Son province on Thursday (Jan 12).

Issam Messaoudi, a dual Belgian-Moroccan national, was rescued and rushed to Pai Hospital after his motorcycle lost control while he was riding up a path next to Mor Paeng waterfall in Pai district.

X-rays taken at the hospital showed his spine was broken, prompting medics to transfer him to the better-equipped Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai – an agonising 130-kilometre journey.

Messaoudi and a friend rented the motorcycle from a local shop that offers a rental service for sightseeing around waterfalls and other attractions in Mae Hong Son.

Officials said the steep path where the accident occurred had been made slippery and hazardous by recent rainfall. Messaoudi’s friend escaped the accident without injury.

The Mor Paeng waterfall is highly popular among foreign tourists as the beauty spot is located only 6km from Pai’s town centre. The 50-metre-high, three-stage waterfall has a steep cliff that offers challenges for those who enjoy mountain climbing and mountain bike or scooter riding. The clear water and flat rocky banks also make it an excellent destination for paddling and swimming during summer.