Man completes 1,500km walk to Thailand’s tallest mountain, fulfilling pledge to deceased girlfriend

Photo: Roong Hiranwong via Kon Kao Chiang Mai/ Facebook
Photo: Roong Hiranwong via Kon Kao Chiang Mai/ Facebook

Sakchai Supanthamat yesterday completed his captivating 1,500-kilometer journey on foot to Thailand’s highest peak, fulfilling his pledge to take the former love of his life to the attraction dubbed “The Roof of Thailand” — only to find out it was illegal to scatter her ashes.

The 39 year old became something of an instant celebrity last week when reporters in Chiang Mai spotted him — and two stray dogs he met along the way — pulling a cart and walking towards Thailand’s highest peak with an urn containing his dead girlfriend’s remains.

The 20-month journey from southern Trang province ended on Saturday when Sakchai arrived at Doi Inthanon mountain to a warm welcome by national park officials, and some disappointing news.

Despite offering his understanding and giving Sakchai free accomodation on Saturday night, Roong Hiranwong, head of the national park, had to explain that spreading his girlfriend’s ashes would violate the law as visitors are prohibited from “dumping rubbish or other things outside designated areas,” Thairath reported.

Photo: Roong Hiranwong via Kon Kao Chiang Mai/ Facebook
Photo: Roong Hiranwong via Kon Kao Chiang Mai/ Facebook

In the end, Sakchai reached the top of Doi Inthanon at 5pm yesterday, while holding his girlfriend’s remains in his arms. He was accompanied by a dozen rangers.

Turning to the urn after reaching the mountaintop, Sakchai simply said, “We’re here now.”

(Ed: Damn, can’t we just let him scatter her ashes and waive the fine?)

Sakchai, who said he was willing to comply with the regulations, came back down the mountain last night, his girlfriend’s ashes still in the urn.

Less than a week after his love story made the news, Sakchai has received about THB70,000 (US$2,100) in donations. Although someone has helped him open a bank account, he refused to reveal the information to the public as he doesn’t wish to accept any more money.

He says he plans to spend the money making merit at temples over the next two years. He also intends to fulfill another promise made to his siblings — coming home to them by 2020.



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