Accident Loei: Man Killed by Wild Elephants While Walking Near Forest Boundary

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A 35-year-old man has died after being attacked by two wild elephants near a forest reserve in Loei. The fatal incident occurred early in the morning of 15 July, outside Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, prompting urgent action from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 

The incident was confirmed by Mr. Julakorn Muangkaew, Director of Protected Area Regional Office 8 (Khon Kaen), who said officials received a report from Mr. Wanchai Simmasian, head of Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, that a local resident had been fatally injured by wild elephants near the village of Ban Yang Diao, Khao Luang subdistrict, Wang Saphung district.

 

Patrol officers from the Huai Baeng forest protection unit were dispatched to the scene, located along an agricultural road approximately 350 metres outside the protected forest boundary. There, they discovered the body of Mr. Teerapong, 35, lying lifeless on the dirt road. His body bore severe head injuries and his clothing was covered in dirt, indicating he had been trampled . Nearby, rangers found fresh elephant tracks suggesting the presence of two wild elephants.

 

Initial interviews with villagers revealed that loud elephant calls were heard in the area around 06:00. The deceased, originally from Udon Thani province, had been living in Ban Yang Diao as a son-in-law to a local family, though his household registration had not been transferred.

 

The person who discovered the body had been heading out to tap rubber trees when he came upon the scene. He promptly alerted the village headman. Police and medical personnel were called to investigate and transported the body to Wang Saphung Hospital for autopsy.

 

Following the incident, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, expressed condolences to the victim’s family. He ordered sanctuary staff to assist with funeral arrangements and coordinate with relatives to provide immediate support. Authorities are also gathering evidence and witness accounts to assist with long-term aid for the bereaved family.

 

This death underscores the growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in rural Thailand, particularly in areas bordering protected forest zones where wild elephants frequently roam.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-16