Terrifying Moment as Wild Elephant Charges at Motorcyclist in Chanthaburi

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from CCTV.

 

A wild bull elephant with long tusks caused panic in Chanthaburi’s Kaeng Hang Maeo district when it charged at an unsuspecting motorcyclist, narrowly missing him before bolting off into the distance. The dramatic moment, captured on CCTV, left both residents and onlookers in shock.

 

The incident occurred on the morning of 22nd February in Moo 2, Khao Wongkot subdistrict. The elephant, which had reportedly run amok after emerging from a nearby fruit orchard, suddenly encountered an elderly man riding his motorcycle along a dirt road. In a split-second reaction, the elephant lunged forward, attempting to strike with its tusks, but fortunately missed.
 

The terrified rider, estimated to be in his 50s and believed to be a rubber plantation worker from the area, managed to get his motorcycle to the other side of the road, escaping without injury.

 

Local shop owner Usa Chuenpirom, whose CCTV captured the event, said wild elephants frequently roam the area in search of food, typically emerging from the forest between 19:30 and 21:00. On 20th February, four elephants were spotted in the vicinity, an occurrence she described as normal. However, she was alarmed when she heard loud trumpeting early morning, only to later discover the shocking footage of the near-tragic encounter.

 

Usa’s sister, Kanchana Chuenpirom, confirmed that her sister-in-law’s son had also recorded the scene on his phone. The video showed the elephant storming through fruit orchards, crossing the road, and charging at the motorcyclist before continuing its frantic run. The footage was shared online as a warning to others to remain vigilant.

Santi Chuenpirom, Deputy President of Khao Wongkot Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), stated that based on the video, the elephant did not appear to be aggressive but rather seemed to be fleeing in distress, possibly having been separated from its herd or startled by barking dogs. He urged authorities to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prevent further incidents in the community.

 

Local officials and residents are now calling on wildlife conservation agencies to address the issue of wandering elephants to ensure the safety of both the animals and the local population.

 

-- 2025-02-23

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the elephant did not appear to be aggressive but rather seemed to be fleeing in distress, possibly having been separated from its herd or startled by barking dogs.

 

Being drunk is another possibility.

Some fruits ferment in the elephant's stomach.

We were charged by a drunk elephant once when on a safari.

Luckily our jeep was faster than the elephant.

I even managed to get a photo of my B-I-L with fear on his face and the elephant closing in behind him. 

[LennyW]

Saw this video yesterday, I don't think the elephant was charging at the guy on the motorcycle, just happened to be where the elephant was heading.

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, LennyW said:

Saw this video yesterday, I don't think the elephant was charging at the guy on the motorcycle, just happened to be where the elephant was heading.

Elephant was cutting the corner as the guy came out, I think both were surprised as each other. 

[animalmagic]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Elephant was cutting the corner as the guy came out, I think both were surprised as each other. 

I think the motorcyclist definitely won the 'who was most surprised award.'