Elephant Left with Broken Tusk After Territorial Fight in Khao Yai National Park

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A wild bull elephant known as Plai Duan has been left visibly distressed after sustaining a serious injury during a clash with another male elephant, Plai Biang Lek, in the forests near Khao Yai National Park. The confrontation resulted in Plai Duan’s left tusk being completely broken off.

Park rangers were alerted on 21 July by local residents who witnessed the two elephants engaging in a fierce battle over foraging territory in the forest near Moo 3, Nong Nam Daeng subdistrict, Pak Chong district. A team from Khao Yai National Park was dispatched and located the broken tusk on the forest floor. Officials are currently documenting the tusk and preparing to register it with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

On 22 July, Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, Chief of Khao Yai National Park, ordered rangers to monitor Plai Duan’s condition closely to prevent further conflict and ensure his wellbeing. During a patrol the night before, rangers observed the injured elephant foraging alone near the site of the earlier clash. They reported that Plai Duan appeared visibly downcast, possibly in pain, now having only a single remaining tusk on his right side.

Plai Duan is a well-known figure in the region due to his past involvement in a high-profile land dispute related to illegal encroachment on protected forest territory. The elephant gained notoriety after wandering into the controversial area marked by an unauthorised Sor Por Kor (S.P.K.) 4-01 land reform boundary marker at Ban Waew Plakang in Moo Si subdistrict. The incident drew national attention and prompted Mr. Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, to personally inspect the area.

In a moment that made headlines, Plai Duan emerged from the forest during the visit, appearing before the Director-General as if to symbolically highlight the significance of the encroachment issue.

Park officials say Plai Duan will continue to be observed in the coming days and that his injury, while not life-threatening, is being treated with concern given the potential for infection or further aggression from other bulls during the ongoing mating season.

Wildlife experts have also noted that broken tusks in bull elephants can affect their status within a herd, particularly during territorial or mating disputes.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-23