Picture from responders.

 

A wild elephant known as "Si Daosap" charged at a farmer, severely injuring him after he attempted to drive the animal away from his plantation in Trat Province. The incident occurred at around 12:00 on January 19, when 43-year-old Anan, the plantation owner, fired a loud fire cracker in an attempt to chase the elephant away, fearing for his crops.

 

However, the wild elephant reacted aggressively, charging at Anan and trampling him, causing serious injuries, including a broken leg and internal bleeding. The elephant then fled back into the forest.

 

Local authorities were alerted by the village headman, Boonman Chaiyawong, and rushed to the scene along with a team of volunteers from the Klong Kaew Waterfall National Park. When the rescue team arrived, they found blood, the cracker remnants, and a hat near the scene, indicating the severity of the attack.

 

Anan was quickly transported to Bo Rai Hospital for treatment, where he remains in a critical condition.

 

The elephant, known for its mischievous behaviour, had previously fallen into a pond and was rescued by villagers. Despite being helped out of the water, the animal refused to return to the forest, causing concern among locals.

 

This incident highlights the ongoing human-elephant conflict in rural Thailand, where wild elephants often venture into agricultural areas in search of food, leading to potential danger for farmers and villagers.

 

-- 2025-01-20

 

 

A fire cracker versus an elephant - there will only ever be one winner.