Report Elephants Roam Far from Forests in Eastern Thailand

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Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

Wild elephants in eastern Thailand are straying beyond their usual forest habitats, venturing over 30 kilometres in search of tastier food, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 

Atthapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, notes that these elephants are irresistibly drawn to local delicacies such as durians, mangosteens, bananas, and sugarcane. These treats prove far more appealing than their typical forest diet.

 

Significantly, elephants have been observed traversing from Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Rayong province to Chon Buri’s Khao Chao-Botong forest area, a journey of over 29 kilometres. Similarly, sightings in Chachoengsao show them travelling to subdistricts like Wang Thong Chang and Khao Mai Kaew, extending as far as Ya Nari in Prachin Buri's Kabin Buri district—an impressive 40-kilometre trek from their protected woodland.

 

Another group of elephants has been found moving more than 30 kilometres to areas in Sa Kaeo province. Alarmingly, these elephants do not return to their original habitats. Instead, they rest in small forest patches by day and venture into nearby local fields by afternoon, relishing the easier access to local produce.

 

This change in behaviour poses a new challenge, as the elephants seem to favour the abundant, tasty crops over their traditional forest fare. While concerns about forest encroachment by locals might initially come to mind, Atthapol assures that current issues are unrelated to past encroachments.

 

Data reveals that elephants can journey up to 40 kilometres from their homes. In these regions of eastern Thailand, there are an estimated 800 wild elephants, with a significant 70-80% now found outside designated forest areas.

 

To tackle the issue, the department intends to establish an elephant population map. This regularly updated database, refreshed weekly through an application, will inform on elephant movements and help manage activities. Additionally, a rapid response unit will be deployed to swiftly address elephant-related incidents, ensuring the safety of both the public and the elephants.

 

Addressing misconceptions, Atthapol clarifies that the department has no plans to sterilise the elephants. Instead, the focus is on controlling the birth rate to prevent an unsustainable increase in populations, particularly in areas bordering forests where numbers have already exceeded ideal levels.

 

These ongoing developments not only highlight the elephants’ adaptability but also underscore the need for effective strategies to balance wildlife conservation with local agricultural practices. Managing these majestic creatures’ foraging habits is crucial to preventing conflicts and ensuring their harmonious coexistence with human communities.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-07

 

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Many have been spotted on soi 6 in Pattaya.