Crime Authorities to Prosecute Suspect in Shooting of Khao Yai Wild Elephant ‘Plai Biang Lek’

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced on 23 June, its intention to pursue legal action against an individual suspected of shooting a wild elephant known as Plai Biang Lek(also nicknamed Nong Ngong Thong) in Khao Yai National Park.

 

According to Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the department, the incident occurred on 19 June at around 17:00 near Village 5, Ban Nong Makrut, in Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. A local volunteer group working to deter wild elephants reported the event to park authorities.

 

The group encountered the well-known wild elephant foraging near private farmland. The landowner allegedly fired five shotgun rounds, both into the air and at the ground, in an attempt to scare the animal away. The volunteers present documented the incident with photographs and collected used shotgun shells as evidence.

 

The following day, members of the volunteer team observed two suspicious wounds near the elephant’s hindquarters. These injuries raised concerns that Plai Biang Lek may have been struck by gunfire. Park officials and veterinary staff are currently investigating the cause of the wounds and expect to confirm whether they are indeed gunshot-related within the day.

 

Park authorities are in the process of compiling witness statements and physical evidence in preparation for legal proceedings.

 

A source close to the investigation confirmed that the suspect has been identified in photographs holding a shotgun. The individual is reportedly a relative of a local Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) chairman. Officials have in their possession both photographic and ballistic evidence linking the suspect to the shooting.

 

The Department has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting wildlife and ensuring justice in accordance with environmental protection laws.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-24

 

 

 

[khunPer]

A difficult balance with wild large animals sharing living-space with humans.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Local Councillor Surrenders After Firing Shotgun at Khao Yai Wild Elephant

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A subdistrict administrative organisation councillor (Sor. Or. Bor. Tor.) in Pak Chong district has surrendered to police after admitting to firing a shotgun to scare away a wild elephant known as “Plai Biang Lek”, which had strayed from Khao Yai National Park.

 

The incident, which took place on 19 June, came to public attention after a conservation group posted on the social media page “This is Khao Yai”, showing photos of the elephant with what appeared to be two gunshot wounds on its right hindquarters. Conservationists urged urgent intervention from the Department of National Parks, the provincial governor, district officials and the police to investigate the matter.

 

Following the outcry, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, ordered park officials and veterinarians to examine the elephant and determine whether it had been shot. If so, he instructed that legal action be taken swiftly under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 1992.

 

On 24 June, Mr Samart, a local councillor from a subdistrict in Pak Chong, turned himself in to police at Pak Chong Police Station. He admitted to firing a Winchester Model 1300 Defender 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun on the afternoon of 19 June. According to his statement, he fired once into the ground and once into the air in an attempt to frighten the elephant, which had repeatedly damaged his and villagers’ agricultural crops. He denied firing directly at the animal.

 

Police, led by Pol Lt Col Wichan Klinbuppha and Pol Lt Col Watchara Liabsungnoen, accompanied Mr Samart to the scene in Nong Nam Daeng subdistrict, where they recovered the firearm and other evidence. Witnesses were also questioned.

 

Mr Samart has been formally charged with carrying a firearm in a public place and discharging a firearm in a public area. He was released on bail pending further investigation. Police are continuing to gather evidence and witness statements in preparation for forwarding the case to prosecutors.

 

Authorities have stressed that harming or threatening protected wildlife is a serious offence under the law and that further legal action may be taken if forensic evidence confirms the elephant was wounded by gunfire.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-25