Aurora in Thailand? Green glow stuns at Kaeng Krachan

On November 1st, a remarkable green glow akin to the aurora borealis emerged in the night sky above Phanoen Thung mountain within Kaeng Krachan National Park. The stunning phenomenon coincided with the reopening of the park, which had been shut down for three months due to ecological recovery efforts and visitor safety concerns during the rainy season.

National park officials captured images of the unusual luminous display above the popular viewpoint in Phetchaburi province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The opening of the park coincided with the beginning of the 2026 tourist season, enabling visitors to enjoy overnight camping experiences in the area. The green light appeared during the initial night of the reopening, drawing attention from tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

In 2023, a similar occurrence was documented by Wimut Wasalai, a representative of the Thai Astronomical Society. He proposed that the green glow could be a result of the reflections of squid-fishing boat lights off clouds in the Gulf of Thailand, stating that the high density of such vessels in the region could generate sufficient green light to illuminate clouds, rendering it visible from elevated locations like Phanoen Thung.

Phanoen Thung is a cherished natural attraction in Phetchaburi, renowned for its morning sea of mist, picturesque mountain scenery, and diverse forest ecosystem. The reopening of the park is anticipated to entice visitors seeking respite from the heat and camping opportunities as the year draws to a close.