Forager Gored by Wild Gaur in Forest Found Alive After Overnight Search

Picture from responders.

A 65-year-old man who went missing overnight after being gored by a wild gaur while foraging in the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao, has been found alive following an extensive search operation.

The incident occurred in the late afternoon of April 2, when Mr Boonta Seesangat, 65, and a 50-year-old companion ventured into the protected forest in Khlong Takrao, Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao Province, to gather wild vegetables.

While searching for Pak Wan (sweet leaves) in the Ban Khao Kluay Mai area, the pair inadvertently entered gaur territory. A large wild gaur suddenly charged at them, leaving Mr Boonta with severe injuries to his right leg and ribs.

His companion managed to hide him under a large tree before rushing back to the village to get help. However, when rescuers returned, Mr Boonta was nowhere to be found, prompting an urgent search operation that lasted through the night.

More than 50 rescuers, including volunteer teams, military rangers, and wildlife officers, combed the dense forest in the five-province border region spanning Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Sa Kaeo.

At 09:00 on April 3, Mr Boonta was finally located, still hiding under a tree in the same area. He had sustained multiple fractures in his right leg, including the upper and lower leg bones and ankle, along with bruising on his left ribs.

Due to the severity of his injuries, rescuers fashioned an improvised stretcher from tree branches to carry him safely out of the forest before transferring him to Tha Takiap Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Officials have reminded locals of the dangers of entering protected wildlife areas, particularly as gaur populations have been increasing in the Khao Ang Rue Nai forest complex. The largest wild cattle species, gaur can weigh over 1,000 kg and are known to charge aggressively when threatened.

Authorities have urged foragers to avoid crossing elephant trenches and protected areas, warning that similar incidents could occur as human-wildlife conflicts rise in the region.

-- 2025-04-04