Six tourists die in flash flood in Surathani

A flash flood though a national park in southern Thailand has left six German tourists and their local guide dead. The group was swept away when water suddenly flooded through the cave where the group was exploring, according to local police.

Police Lt. Col. Pichan Kanayasiri said that the group was trekking in the Khao Sok national park which is located in Surathani province. On Saturday afternoon, the heavy rainfall caused a flash flood in the park which sent water coursing through the cave.

"The tourists were inside the cave and didn't know what was happening outside," Pichan said. "They were trapped inside the cave."

Pichan said that despite the efforts of rescue crews which worked all night to try and save the group, three woman, two men and a child are definitely dead. Another German man and a Thai guide are missing.

Last year, the same cave experienced a flash flood which killed a tourist from Belgium.

Hiking and trekking in the national park is a popular activity both for local outdoor lovers and visitors from abroad. The best time to visit in order to avoid monsoon rains is from December to April.

The park is easy to reach by car along highway route number 401, also known as the Suratthani-Takuapa road. The park is located just off the highway, near kilometer 109.