Rampaging Wild Elephant Destroys Shelter, Seriously Injures Disabled Man in Rayong

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

In a frightening early morning incident on Labour Day, a wild elephant known locally as “Plai Mamuang” stormed into a rubber plantation in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, destroying a worker’s shelter and severely injuring a disabled man who was unable to escape.

The attack occurred at around 05:00 on 1 May, near the Nong Pla Lai reservoir. According to witnesses, the elephant, known for roaming the local area, appeared agitated and tore apart the shelter where Mr. Sunthorn, a 62-year-old rubber tapper suffering from partial paralysis, was sleeping. The man was unable to flee and was violently attacked by the elephant, sustaining multiple injuries and internal trauma.

Rescue workers from Pluak Daeng rushed to the scene and transported the victim to receive emergency medical attention. Mr. Sunthorn recounted the terrifying moment, stating that the elephant ripped through the roof and mosquito net before attacking him directly.

His wife, Mrs. Wann, 52, who was nearby tapping rubber trees, was alerted by the sound of dogs barking. She rushed to the scene and, upon seeing the elephant attacking her husband, pleaded desperately, shouting “Enough, enough!” Miraculously, the elephant paused, looked at her, and then turned and walked away, sparing her husband’s life.

Mr. Sunthorn requires a walker to move around and had no chance of escaping the violent encounter.

Officials from the elephant response unit later arrived at the site, finding the shelter completely destroyed and large elephant footprints scattered throughout the plantation. Several banana trees had also been toppled.

Mr. Supoj Thammakasem, a member of the elephant response team, confirmed that the animal involved was Plai Mamuang, a known wild elephant in the region. He believes the elephant may have been agitated due to lack of rest and had likely wandered between Pluak Daeng, Ban Khai, and Wang Chan districts in search of food.

The team has since herded Plai Mamuang away from populated areas and back toward its natural foraging routes. Authorities are urging local residents to remain cautious and to avoid approaching wild elephants. In the event of a sighting, they are advised to move to a safe location and immediately alert village leaders or wildlife officials.