Drone night picture from Park Rangers.

 

In a concerted effort to protect local farmers’ crops, park rangers and villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima have been on high alert as a herd of wild elephants, estimated to number up to 100, attempts to encroach on farmland near the Thap Lan National Park. The elephants are reportedly trying to enter the Khao Khat valley, a national forest reserve located between the park and local farming areas.

 

On the night of 26 December, Phawatthasart Chanthep, the head of Thap Lan National Park, led a patrol of rangers and volunteer networks to prevent the herd from moving further into the area. The elephants are believed to have left the protected park and are attempting to establish a temporary habitat in the valley, which is rich in resources such as water and shelter, and lies adjacent to agricultural land.

 

If the elephants succeed in making Khao Khat valley their temporary home, the potential damage to farmers’ crops could be devastating. With harvests ready for collection, the intrusion could cause extensive harm, as was seen last year when a similar herd inhabited the valley for several months, wreaking havoc on local crops and causing significant losses.

 

Drone surveillance has confirmed the presence of the herd along the forest boundary between the villages of Ban Mai and Chao Khian, prompting immediate action from the authorities. Rangers and volunteers have been working tirelessly through the night to push the elephants back into the forest, preventing further damage. This ongoing effort has been in place for the past four months, with the herd consistently attempting to breach the boundaries.

 

Despite the challenges, the collaboration between the volunteer groups and the local community has remained strong. Thanks to their combined efforts, the herd has yet to reach the valley and cause significant destruction, providing some relief for the farmers in the area. However, the situation remains tense, and authorities are committed to continuing their vigilance to ensure the safety of both the local population and the elephants.

 

-- 2024-12-28

 

 

The elephants are just visiting their traditional lands.

Better eaten by elephants then burned and harvested.

I think that it is very thoughtful of the farmers to grow food for the wild elephants.

This has been the elephants land much longer than those who took it. Migration patterns are ingrained in them. So try as you may, but they will still come back next year. 

The way elephants are treated in Buddhist Thailand is disgusting. The valley and surrounding areas are their traditional territories and now they are being driven out. Shamefui.