Villager Killed by Wild Elephant While Foraging in Forest

Picture from responders.

A local villager searching for forest produce in a military area of Chanthaburi province was killed by a wild elephant, authorities confirmed on 1 March.

The incident took place at approximately 16:00 in Phaya Kampuch village, Pong Nam Ron district. Emergency responders from the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Foundation’s Pong Nam Ron unit were alerted to the fatal encounter deep within a forested area controlled by the military.

Upon receiving the report, police officers, local administrative officials, forestry personnel, marines from the 4th Marine Ranger Control Unit, and a specialist elephant response team joined forces with villagers to investigate the scene. Due to the remote location, approximately three kilometres from the nearest settlement, authorities had to proceed on foot, navigating an area known for its resident wild elephant population.

After reaching the site, officials discovered the lifeless body of Mr Thongdee lying on his back in a grassy clearing. Preliminary examinations revealed severe injuries to his chest and head, consistent with an elephant attack.

Rescue personnel wrapped the body in a hammock, secured it to a wooden pole, and carefully transported it out of the forest. His remains were then sent to Pong Nam Ron Hospital for an official autopsy.

According to police inquiries, Mr Thongdee had gone into the forest with a friend after finishing work for the day. The pair decided to split up to cover more ground and planned to reunite at a designated meeting point. When the friend returned, he found Mr Thongdee’s lifeless body, bearing wounds from an attack by a wild elephant.

Authorities have warned villagers to exercise extreme caution when entering forested areas known for elephant activity, as human-wildlife conflicts continue to be a growing concern in the region.

-- 2025-03-02