An American pensioner who went missing in a Thai forest has been found alive by officials.

Reach Mikob, 72, had gone hiking with his friends but was separated from the group while trekking through the Pa San Sai national forest reserve in Chiang Mai province on October 30.

His worried friends notified the local village chief, and a search was launched for the missing tourist.

As mobile reception was poor in the area, Reach could not be contacted through his phone.

Rescue teams scoured the woods for hours, but still found no sign of him. Due to reduced visibility and impending rain, the search was called off temporarily.

Miraculously, the pensioner emerged from the jungle near a temple at 7 am the following morning, shocking local authorities. He had a bruise over his left eye, but was not seriously injured.

Reach said: 'I was hiking and could not remember the route we had taken. Suddenly there was nobody around and I realised I was alone. I just kept walking trying to find the nearest village.

'I'm grateful to all of the people who were searching for me.'

Officers gave Reach first aid, and he was allowed to go home to rest from the ordeal.