Death After Wild Elephant Attack in Khao Yai National Park

Picture from responders.

A man has died after being attacked by a wild elephant in Khao Yai National Park, despite efforts by rescue teams to save him.

Chalermpong Foitong, Director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 7, confirmed that he was notified of the incident by Supatra Phunkratok, Head of the Khao Phaeng Ma Wildlife Sanctuary. The attack took place in the early hours of 31 January near Ban Khlong Sai, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

At approximately 07:00 on 31 January, members of the rapid-response team responsible for managing wild elephant movements, along with local monitoring networks, discovered that a resident had been attacked inside the forest. However, the rescue operation was delayed as the elephant was still in the area, posing a continued risk.

Rangers successfully pushed the elephant back into the forest at around 07:15 and extracted the injured man by 07:40. He was rushed to Wang Nam Khiao Hospital, where doctors found he had suffered severe internal injuries. Due to the extent of his condition, he was transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital at 11:00.

Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries while en route to the hospital.

Khao Yai National Park authorities have pledged to provide support and compensation to the victim’s family. Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor elephant activity in the area to prevent further incidents.

-- 2025-02-01