An Australian tourist has been found dead after trying to climb into a remote cave in Thailand.
Edward Alchin, 69, from Sydney, was found unconscious in Tiger Cave in Krabi province on Friday afternoon.
Moments earlier he had posted a stunning view photo to Facebook showing a steep staircase leading up with the caption: ‘Only 1000 more steps’
Australians – who have traveled alone – make the arduous journey climbing the 1,260 steps to the popular tourist spot.
Mr Alchin reaches the observation deck at the top of the mountain, but feels dizzy from exhaustion and then passes out.
Mr Alchin (pictured) reached the observation deck at the top of the mountain, but felt dizzy from exhaustion and then passed out
Moments earlier he had posted a stunning view photo to Facebook showing a steep staircase leading up with the caption: ‘Only 1000 more steps’
He was found near the base of a Buddha statue by passing locals who raised the alarm.
The tourist called rescuers who performed CPR, but it took an hour for emergency services to reach the platform.
Paramedics tried to resuscitate Alchin but he was declared dead at the scene.
It took another hour to bring his body back down the stairs.
Police Lieutenant Attakowit Sungkasit from the Mueang Krabi Police Station said Alchin arrived at the temple alone on a rented motorcycle.
Lieutenant Sungkasit said the man left his bag and passport with the temple staff and told them he ‘will be back soon’ before starting the climb.
“Witnesses said he was healthy and had a lot of energy,” the officer said.
“No suspicious circumstances, but it was a very hot day, so the conditions will make it more difficult.”
A doctor who performed a brief post-mortem examination said Alchin may have had a heart attack after climbing the steep stairs.
Temperatures reach over 35C in the south of the country, making strenuous exercise dangerous in some cases.
Attempts to revive Mr. Alchin were unsuccessful and he died at the scene
Edward Alchin, 69, from Sydney, was found unconscious in the Tiger Cave in the Thai province of Krabi on Friday afternoon
Mr Alchin has climbed the 1,260 steps to Thailand’s popular tourist spot, the Tiger Caves
Emergency services were called to the scene but it took them an hour to reach the platform
Alchin’s body was taken to Krabi Hospital while officers contacted the Australian embassy to inform relatives of his death.
Temple staff have since asked visitors not to climb into the cave if they are not physically ready.
In February, a German tourist was rescued after falling into a limestone cave in Krabi.
Fried Ingeborg, 61, was exploring caves in the mountains of Khao Khanab Nam when he slipped and injured himself, with paramedics arriving to carry him down a 100-foot ladder on a stretcher.
