A 58-year-old man was found dead in Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in Buriram province after apparently being attacked by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in the forest. The victim, identified as Phaitoon Samniang, was discovered on 20 June 2026 in a remote forest area near Nong Bon village in Lam Nang Rong subdistrict, Non Din Daeng district.
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Police from Non Din Daeng Police Station responded after villagers searching for mushrooms reported finding a body in the forest. The location was approximately 3 kilometres from the village and 2 kilometres into the woodland.
Officers and rescue workers found the victim lying face down on a mound of earth. The body had significantly decomposed. A shoulder bag and a head torch were found nearby.
Investigators also found extensive elephant footprints around the scene, with the surrounding ground appearing heavily trampled. Authorities believe the man had been dead for at least three to four days before being discovered.
According to the investigation, Phaitoon, aged 58, lived in Nong Bon village, Lam Nang Rong subdistrict, Non Din Daeng district, Buriram. Family members said he was not married and had no children and regularly stayed overnight at a cassava field near the village. He was also known to enter the forest frequently to collect wild produce and mushrooms for food and additional income.
His sister, 44-year-old Uea-aree Tunhasing, told authorities that her brother routinely gathered forest products and mushrooms. She believes he may have encountered wild elephants while collecting mushrooms at night.
She said it was possible the elephants were startled by his presence and chased him. Investigators suspect he was unable to escape and was fatally attacked.
The forest area where the incident occurred is known to be inhabited by a herd of nearly 50 wild elephants that regularly forage in the vicinity. SiamRath reported that authorities documented the circumstances surrounding the death and continue to examine the evidence found at the scene.
Pictures courtesy of SaimRath
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Siamrath 21 June 2026