Surat Thani, May 5, 2025 – A group of seven Russian tourists was rushed to hospitals after consuming wild ebony fruits during a visit to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park in Surat Thani province on Sunday afternoon. Five required immediate medical attention, with two in serious condition due to severe dehydration and excessive vomiting.

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The Ban Ta Khun-Phanom rescue unit received a distress call at 1:33 PM reporting that the tourists had fallen ill shortly after eating the fruit. Upon arrival, responders found the group semi-conscious, suffering from chest pain, vomiting, and hypersalivation—symptoms consistent with poisoning.

Four patients were transported to Phanom Hospital, two with extreme salivation and two with persistent vomiting. One additional tourist was admitted to Ban Ta Khun Hospital with acute chest pain and vomiting. Two others, though symptomatic, declined hospitalization.

Preliminary investigations revealed the tourists had eaten wild ebony fruit (Diospyros mollis), known locally as “luk mafai”, which contains toxic compounds when unripe. Local health officials are conducting toxicology tests to confirm the exact substance responsible for the reaction.

Seven Russian tourists fell ill reportedly after eating wild fruit in a park in this southern province on Sunday. Five of them were admitted to hospitals.

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“The fruits resemble edible varieties but can be dangerously poisonous if consumed incorrectly,” warned Dr. Somchai Phetcharat, a Surat Thani public health officer. “Symptoms like excessive salivation and vomiting indicate neurotoxin exposure.”

The group had traveled by private charter from Khao Lak, Phang Nga, and stopped at the park as part of a sightseeing trip. Authorities are reviewing whether they mistakenly foraged the fruit or were misled by its appearance.

Two patients remain under close observation for dehydration at Phanom Hospital. Police and park officials have posted warnings about foraging wild plants in the area. Russian consular staff have been notified to assist the tourists.

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This incident follows multiple cases of tourists falling ill from consuming toxic plants in Thailand, including last year’s hospitalization of French backpackers after eating wild mushrooms in Chiang Mai.

-Thailand News (TN)