A fruit-laden 10-wheel truck collided with a wild elephant on Highway 317 in Soi Dao district, Chanthaburi, on the evening of 11 June 2026, leaving the driver trapped inside the wrecked vehicle and the elephant injured before it fled into nearby forest. Rescue teams from the Sawang Katanyu Association responded after receiving reports of the crash at kilometre marker 54 in Moo 10, Sai Khao subdistrict.
Get today's headlines by email 
The green truck, registration from Udon Thani, overturned onto its side following the collision and suffered severe damage to the cab. The windscreen shattered, scattering glass across the road. Rescuers used specialised extraction equipment and carefully navigated the debris to reach the trapped driver.
The operation was complicated by the vehicle’s position and the extensive damage to the cab. Rescue workers eventually removed the injured driver through the shattered front windscreen, provided first aid at the scene and transported the casualty to Soi Dao Hospital for treatment.
The crash occurred near the Soi Dao mountain range and the Chanthaburi-Sa Kaeo border area, an important feeding ground for wild elephants. During the fruit season, elephants frequently move between habitats and cross roads at night while searching for food in agricultural areas.
Officials said the number of vehicle collisions involving wild elephants in Chanthaburi has been increasing as more elephants venture beyond protected areas in search of food. The growing interaction between wildlife and road users has raised concerns about safety along several routes in the province.
Following the incident, local village protection volunteers and community volunteers from Ban Ta Mun and nearby areas were deployed to monitor the scene and warn motorists. Authorities urged drivers using Highway 317, particularly at night, to exercise extreme caution because of poor visibility and the possibility of elephants crossing unexpectedly.
Forestry officials and local communities are also working together to provide real-time alerts when elephants are known to be crossing roads, with the aim of reducing harm to both people and wildlife.
An update reported that a group of 10 wild elephants had been spotted near Ban Khlong Katha in Moo 2, Pa Tong subdistrict, Soi Dao district. Volunteers successfully pushed the animals back into the forest after they appeared to be moving out of the woodland area.
Authorities noted that wild elephants were historically rarely seen outside forest areas along Highway 317 in the past. However, reports of elephants leaving protected areas in Pong Nam Ron district began emerging around late 2014, increasing steadily in subsequent years. By around 2017, some elephants had moved towards the Thewa Phithak Marine Corps Camp area, where conflicts with local farmers became more frequent.
The Daily News reported that officials said trained volunteers and rapid response teams from the Department of National Parks continue to patrol the area and return elephants to forest habitats. Members of the public who encounter wild elephants are advised to contact local volunteers, officials or the national parks hotline 1362and provide the location so appropriate action can be taken.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 13 June 2026