French Tourist Dies Taking Selfies at Thai Waterfall

KOH SAMUI, Thailand — A 22-year-old French tourist died Monday afternoon after slipping and falling while taking selfies at Na Muang 2 waterfall on Koh Samui, according to local police. The incident marks another death at one of Thailand's most visited natural attractions, where wet rocks and inadequate safety infrastructure continue to claim lives during peak tourist season. The victim, identified only as Alexis pending family notification, fell while visiting the waterfall around 1pm on January 6, 2026, according to Koh Samui police. He was traveling with his girlfriend at the time of the accident. Rescuers recovered the body at the scene. Police confirmed the fall occurred while Alexis was attempting to photograph himself near the waterfall's edge.

Na Muang 2: A Popular Site With Persistent Risks

Na Muang 2 waterfall sits in Surat Thani province and draws an estimated 500,000 visitors annually. The site requires a steep hike through jungle terrain, often slippery from mist and rainfall, to reach multi-tiered pools popular with tourists seeking dramatic photo opportunities. The waterfall stands approximately 18 meters tall, though some sources place its height at 80 meters across multiple cascades. Access costs roughly 50 Thai baht and involves a dirt trail off Route 4169. The path lacks consistent railings or comprehensive safety barriers, particularly near the upper tiers where visitors venture for unobstructed views. In December 2025, authorities installed new signage warning visitors against taking selfies near the edge. The warnings came after multiple incidents at the site, but Monday's fatality demonstrates the ongoing challenge of managing tourist behavior at natural attractions where infrastructure lags behind visitation numbers. Travel reviews and safety assessments have long flagged Na Muang 2 as hazardous. A 2012 TripAdvisor review from a visitor who survived a fall at the site noted, "I slipped and fell down 25 metres of this waterfall... Thailand is a very dangerous place and health and safety is different over there." That assessment, while dated, reflects conditions that remain largely unchanged a decade later. Travel blogger Mark Cranitch, who visited the waterfall and documented its risks, stated, "People have died here; and in my opinion, this happens because the trail is very poorly marked, so it's not clear where the official path ends." A 2024 update from Northabroad.com noted, "Since our visit in 2019, we have read that several people have died from falling or slipping at Na Muang Waterfall 2."

Broader Pattern of Waterfall Deaths in Thailand

Thailand recorded 15 selfie-related deaths in 2024 and 2025 combined, with approximately 40% occurring at waterfalls, according to regional safety data. Koh Samui alone saw four tourist fall deaths in 2025, underscoring the island's struggle to balance its booming tourism sector with visitor safety. The island welcomed 3.2 million tourist arrivals in 2024, and January represents peak season as European travelers escape winter. French tourists accounted for roughly 45,000 visitors to Thailand in 2024, with 12 deaths recorded among French nationals during that period, primarily from falls and drownings. Waterfalls present particular hazards in tropical environments. Algae and moss coat rocks year-round, creating surfaces that become treacherously slick even during dry periods. The combination of tourist eagerness for dramatic shots, inadequate footwear like flip-flops, and poorly defined safe zones creates recurring tragedy. Thai authorities have promoted campaigns such as "Safe Selfie" through the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but enforcement remains difficult at natural sites where visitor flow is high and staffing limited. Infrastructure gaps persist at locations like Na Muang 2, where the cost of installing comprehensive railings and pathways conflicts with budget constraints and environmental preservation concerns.

What Travelers Need to Know

If you're visiting waterfalls in Thailand or similar destinations, the reality is simple: wet rocks near flowing water are always slippery, signage is often minimal, and emergency response can be slow in remote locations. Wear proper footwear with grip. Stay within clearly marked areas. Understand that natural sites in developing tourism markets rarely meet the safety standards you'd find at, say, a U.S. national park. The lack of barriers isn't an invitation to test limits; it's a gap in infrastructure that puts the burden of risk assessment entirely on you. Selfies at scenic spots aren't worth your life. If you're backing up to frame a shot or leaning out for a better angle, you're in the danger zone. Full stop. Koh Samui police continue to investigate Monday's incident. The French consulate in Bangkok has been notified and is assisting with family arrangements. For travelers heading to Koh Samui this season, Na Muang 2 remains open. The waterfall is beautiful and worth visiting, but approach it with the respect you'd give any unguarded natural hazard. The next set of warning signs won't save you if you ignore the conditions right in front of you.