Mae Wong National Park Ranger Injured by Wild Gaur While on Patrol

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

A forest ranger from Mae Wong National Park has sustained serious injuries after being charged by a wild gaur during a routine patrol in the heart of the park. The incident occurred on 24 May around 13:00, in the Khao Bot forest area, located within Chum Ta Bong District, Nakhon Sawan Province.

The injured ranger, Mr. Sriwichai Sakkaphattanakorn, was acting as the point man during a patrol team’s forest sweep, a role requiring him to walk approximately 20 metres ahead of the team to scout the route and provide early warnings. This method follows standard forest patrol procedures set by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

As Mr. Sriwichai approached a bend in the path, he unexpectedly encountered a wild gaur resting behind a large fallen log. Startled, the gaur reacted defensively, charging at him before he had time to escape. Despite his attempts to evade the attack by circling a tree, the gaur caught up with him and inflicted deep injuries on his right buttock.

Other patrol members, who heard the commotion, rushed to the scene and found Mr. Sriwichai collapsed on the ground. They administered first aid and coordinated a safe evacuation from the forest.

Officials later transported Mr. Sriwichai to Sawanpracharak Hospital in Mueang District, where he is currently receiving treatment. According to Mr. Chaiya Danpho, Director of the Office of Conservation Area 12 (Nakhon Sawan), the ranger is now in a stable condition and out of danger.

As initial support, the Department of National Parks’ central administrative office has provided Mr. Sriwichai with emergency welfare assistance totalling 50,000 baht from the department’s welfare fund. Additional aid from external foundations and related organisations is being coordinated, pending further documentation from the ranger’s unit.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-27.