Man reaches top of Doi Inthanon with wife's ashes

Sakchai Suphanthamat (third left, front row) poses for a group photo with officials at the top of Doi Inthanon on Sunday after carrying his wife's cremated ashes 1500km on foot from Trang. (Photo from Montree Pimpan and @chomthongchiangmai Facebook account)

Sunday was a long-awaited day for Sakchai Suphanthamat. It was the day he finally kept the promise he made to his wife back in Trang when she still alive - that they would climb Doi Inthanon together.

At 4.30pm, the man's epic walk from his home province reached its zenith. He stood next to the sign announcing the highest spot in Thailand, the urn containing the cremated ashes of his wife by his side.

"Today he reached the top of Doi Inthanon. He has fulfilled his promise. Congratulations", an administrator of the Chom Thong district Facebook page, wrote.

Mr Sakchai was not available for comment.

He might only have wished the three companions he acquired and loaded onto this pushcart during the 1,500-kilometre trek from Trang had been allowed to join him at the top.

Officials did not allow Krachao and Namo, two stray dogs, and an unnamed cat which joined the expedition later, to enter Doi Inthanon National Park. He had to leave them with his pushcart at the park entrance. He was also not allowed to scatter the ashes in the park.

Krachao and Namo wait for Sakchai Suphanthamat at the entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park. (Photo from @chomthongchiangmai Facebook account)

Mr Sakchai started his journey from the southern province in January last year after his wife, Saifon Singsanan, died. He quit his job and hit the road, determined to keep the promise he made to his wife when the two were struggling to make ends meet: he would take her to Doi Inthanon. With only her ashes remaining, he loaded the urn onto his pushcart and set forth.

The last leg of the journey was the toughest; Mr Somsak battled chilly temperatures, rain and a foot injury as he completed his ascent.

Mr Somsak began his final steps on Sunday morning and had to stop for medical assistance at 2.25pm before he reached Kiew Mae Pan, about five kilometres from the mountain top.

Sakchai Suphanthamat approaches the highest point on Doi Inthanon. (Video from @chomthongchiangmai Facebook account