A wild elephant attacked and killed a 40-year-old Myanmar woman working in a durian orchard in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi, on 5 May. Police from Pong Nam Ron station responded to reports of the fatal incident in a plantation in Moo 2, Thap Sai subdistrict, where the victim was found with severe injuries. The attack caused shock among fellow workers in the area.
Get today's headlines by email 
Authorities, along with local officials, wildlife officers from Khlong Khruea Wai Wildlife Sanctuary and rescue volunteers, attended the scene. Initial investigations indicate the orchard lies on a forest boundary where wild elephants often forage, particularly during fruiting season. It is believed the elephant entered the plantation searching for food, encountered the victim, and attacked before retreating back into the sanctuary under cover of darkness.
Local leaders have issued urgent warnings to residents and farm workers in nearby rubber and fruit plantations to exercise extreme caution. People have been advised to avoid entering farm or forested areas at night and not to use firecrackers or loud noises to drive elephants away, as this can increase stress and aggression in the animals. Residents are urged to immediately report sightings to community leaders or forestry officials so trained teams can respond using appropriate methods.
In response, local officials have coordinated with community leaders and volunteer elephant response units to establish supervision points and mobile patrols around villages. Specific attention is being given to high-risk zones, including known elephant pathways and resting areas. Patrols will operate in shifts throughout the night to monitor movements and provide early warnings if elephants approach residential zones.
Authorities confirmed that these surveillance and response measures will continue until the situation stabilises, aiming to restore confidence and safety for residents in Thap Sai and surrounding area. The incident highlights an ongoing pattern of human-elephant conflict in Pong Nam Ron and Soi Dao districts, where elephants frequently leave protected areas.
Daily News reported that experts note that diminishing natural food sources in forests, combined with expanding agricultural land overlapping traditional elephant routes, has intensified such encounters. Officials are expected to continue coordinated efforts to manage elephant movements and reduce risks to local communities.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 6 May 2026