A wild elephant, part of a herd that had wandered into an oil palm plantation, fatally attacked a village chief in Tha Chana district, Surat Thani province, Thailand.

 

The village chief, Samnao Kraiket, suffered severe injuries including a crushed rib cage, broken hip, and head injuries during an attempt to drive the elephants back into the forest. Despite the efforts of fellow villagers, Samnao succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

 

The elephant attack occurred in Moo 11 village, tambon Khlong Pha when a herd of 9 to 11 wild elephants entered the oil palm plantation at Thap Saming Khla. The elephants began feeding on the trees, stripping them bare. In response, Samnao led a team of volunteers from four surrounding villages, their mission to push the elephants away from their crops and back into the forest. However, during this operation, Samnao was attacked by a female elephant with a calf.

 

Despite the tragic loss of their leader, the group of volunteers succeeded in chasing the elephants back into the forest. Sadly, the injury inflicted upon Samnao proved fatal, and he died during transportation to Tha Chana Hospital reported Bangkok Post.

Locals from the region have expressed that the presence of wild elephants in the Tambon Khlong Pha and Tambon Prasong areas of Tha Chana district is not uncommon. Over the years, the elephants have frequently been known to raid crops, with many villagers suffering injuries or even death as a result.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo: Bangkok Post

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-23

 

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