Villager Tragically Killed by Wild Elephant in Chachoengsao

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A tragic incident unfolded in Chachoengsao province's Ta Takiab district when Somporn Meeying, a local villager, was found dead after being trampled by a wild elephant while collecting chillies. The area, known for its elephant population, posed significant challenges for search and recovery efforts.

District Chief Amnuay Kaset Sinsanukoon received a report on May 14 at around noon about the discovery of Somporn's body in the Sam Khe forest. The recovery was delayed due to wild elephants near the site.

The alarm was raised earlier when Somporn's daughter, Jarunee Meeying, reported him missing to the Ta Takiab police. Somporn had set out on May 13 at 10am to gather chillies in a local rubber plantation but failed to return home. A coordinated search effort by the village head and community members led to the grim discovery.

The search team, including Amnuay, Boonmee Bualum, paramilitary rangers, conservation officials, and local rescue volunteers, braved an 8-kilometre trek through treacherous forest terrain and rain to locate the body. By late afternoon, they retrieved Somporn's body, which showed severe injuries consistent with an elephant attack.

Jarunee, shattered by the loss, rushed back from Surin province, where she had been to take her child to school, upon learning about her father's disappearance. She plans to hold the funeral at Wat Khao Talat.

In the wake of this tragedy, the district chief coordinated with the Chachoengsao provincial governor and Ta Takiab Subdistrict Administrative Organisation to ensure financial assistance and support for the grieving family, adhering to government regulations.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-15