Hidden Earth 2023

Recent Exploration in Northern Thailand

45 minute Lecture|Andy Goddard and Rob Thomas

Abstract

In 2020 and 2023 two UK/Thai expeditions set out to explore the mountainous regions of Doi Ang Khang, bordering Myanmar in the north west, and in 2023, the Doi Phu Kha National Park close to the Laos border.

A key objective of the 2023 expedition was to dive a number of sumps including the upstream sump in Tham Luang Nang Non, two sumps at the bottom of the deepest cave in Thailand, Tham Pha Phueng, and a resurgence cave in Khon San in central Thailand.

This talk will give an overview of the two expeditions, mainly focussing on the non-diving exploration; including caving in a royal botanical garden, coffin caves, angry mermaids, and what’s at the end of a 30m handmade rope ladder.