Canadian man reportedly dies attempting 1,260-step climb up to Tiger Cave Temple in Thailand

A Canadian tourist died on Sunday while attempting to climb the steep summit at Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple, one of Thailand’s best-known religious landmarks. Krabi is a province in southern Thailand.

The man collapsed near the 1,100th step of the temple’s 1,260-step staircase as he and his wife were making their way to the mountaintop shrine, reports Thai news outlet The Nation. It was the second fatal incident on the staircase in three days.

Rescuers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation rushed to the scene and found the man unconscious, reports Thai news outlet Khaosod English. 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.

His wife, who is from Thailand, told police the couple had intended to climb to the top to pay respect to the Buddha statues. She said they had completed the climb before, but her husband complained of dizziness before losing consciousness.

Global Affairs Canada told National Post in an email on Thursday that it “is aware of reports of the death of a Canadian citizen in Thailand” and Canadian officials stand ready to provide consular assistance, while reaching out to local authorities to gather more information.

Tiger Cave Temple is deeply important to local Buddhists. The site below the mountain includes meditation caves, shrines and monk accommodations. At the top, 280 metres above sea level, there is a golden Buddha statue and a sacred Buddha footprint.

The name “Tiger Cave Temple” derives from local legend, according to Thailand Magazine . The story goes that a tiger once lived in the main cave. A natural rock formation in the cave resembles a tiger’s paw print.

However, for most travellers, the journey up the 1,256 steps is what defines Tiger Cave Temple. The staircase zigzags up the limestone peak in steep stretches. Some steps are narrow and shallow. Others are tall, uneven and surprisingly steep. Typically, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach the top.

Monkeys often linger along the stair railings, watching climbers. They aren’t aggressive if ignored, but they do like shiny objects, plastic bags and loose bottles. S nakes occasionally appear on the steps.

Suggestions to improve safety have included installing a cable car, restricting access for elderly visitors and introducing health checks for people attempting the climb.

This death came just days after a 68-year-old Thai man collapsed and died at the summit on March 26.

Earlier incidents have also raised concern about the risks of the climb.

In March 2023, a 70-year-old Australian tourist died after completing the ascent, says The Nation. In January 2023 a 19-year-old German tourist was injured after fainting and falling near the summit.

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