Wild Elephant in Musth Ravages Local Farms in Prachinburi

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from CCTV

 

Residents in Prachinburi’s Na Di District are living in fear after a wild elephant in musth from Thap Lan National Park entered their farms, causing extensive damage to crops. The incident marks the third time this month the elephant has raided local farmland.

 

Reports indicate that the elephant entered a farm in Moo 6, Thung Pho Subdistrict, at 01:25 on December 29. Witnesses described the adult male elephant, approximately 25 cm long tusks and visibly in musth, with oily secretions from its temporal glands.

 

Mrs. Tassanee Prathomphas, 58, explained that the elephant had targeted her property three times in the past month. It had uprooted a coconut tree, attempted to bring down others to eat the coconuts and young shoots, and trampled other crops. “I never see it when it comes; I only notice the damage in the morning. I’m scared, but there’s nothing I can do. We just have to live with it,” she said.

 

Her husband, Mr. Bunmee Prathomphas, recounted a terrifying encounter with the elephant. Following a quarrel with his wife, he had gone to sleep in his car parked in the farm. Around 01.00 he was awakened by loud banging on his car. At first, he thought it was his wife and opened his eyes, only to find the elephant, believed to be the notorious “Lamud”, using its trunk to tap on the car’s rear window. Panicked, Mr. Bunmee quickly started the car and drove away to safety, later alerting neighbours to the elephant’s presence.

 

Residents have expressed concern over the recurring incidents and are urging local authorities to find a solution to protect their farms and ensure their safety.

 

-- 2024-12-30

 

[Tropicalevo]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Panicked, Mr. Bunmee quickly started the car and drove away to safety, later alerting neighbours to the elephant’s presence.

 

I wonder if he also warned his wife? 

[Briggsy]

On 12/30/2024 at 5:31 AM, Georgealbert said:

the notorious “Lamud”, using its trunk to tap on the car’s rear window.

Classic line.