Uthai Thani: Man Killed by Wild Elephant After Hunting Frogs

Picture courtesy of Khaosod,

A 59-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 18 May, after being attacked by a wild elephant while riding home on his motorcycle following a night of frog hunting. The incident occurred near the Thung Faek checkpoint, just 30 metres from a road leading into the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Lan Sak district.

The victim, Mr. Chalo, was found dead at the mouth of a drainage culvert beside a rural road in Moo 10, Rabam subdistrict. His body was discovered by local residents early in the morning, prompting authorities to investigate.

Responding to the scene were Police Lieutenant Pornpaisan Kladfueang of Lan Sak Police Station, Mr. Santapop Asawaprapapong, assistant chief of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mr. Anuphan Sarasuwan, the local village headman, along with a team of wildlife officers.

At the scene, Mr. Chalo was found lying on his back, with a frog-catching net and a sheathed knife nearby. His Yamaha motorcycle was found overturned close to the culvert. Scratches and drag marks on the road indicated a struggle and footprints, dung and signs of trampling around the culvert confirmed the presence of a wild elephant. A sack containing frogs was found at the rear of the vehicle.

Mrs. Chamroen, 54, the victim’s wife, tearfully recounted that she and her husband had gone out together around 20:00 the previous night to search for frogs, returning at 23:00 with only two. Determined to try again, Mr. Chalo left home alone around 02:00 to continue hunting.

By morning, local villagers informed Mrs. Chamroen that her husband had been found dead.

Initial examination findings revealed bruising and a severe wound to the neck. Authorities believe that the victim encountered a wild elephant in the dark. The torch attached to his helmet may have startled the animal, causing it to charge. It is thought the elephant struck his motorcycle, throwing him from the vehicle, before attacking him further, leading to his death.

This incident highlights the growing tension between rural communities and encroaching wildlife, particularly in areas bordering protected forests.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-19.