Community Wild Elephant Electrocuted Near Khao Yai National Park

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

An incident has shocked conservationists and locals after a well-known wild elephant, Plai Khun Suek, also called Nga Plee by villagers, was found dead after being electrocuted on the edge of a farm near Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

The carcass of the male elephant was discovered in the early hours of 16 August in Ban Waeo Plakang, Pak Chong district, just 30 metres outside the park boundary. Rangers and veterinary staff confirmed that the elephant had become entangled in an electrical wire, with burns visible on its trunk and mouth.

 

Preliminary investigations suggest that Plai Khun Suek was foraging at night when it attempted to grab or move a live wire that had been strung across the farmland by locals. The current is believed to have killed the elephant instantly.

 

Khao Yai National Park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong said the death was a tragic incident.

 

“We do not place blame on anyone. This was an unfortunate incident. The elephant was a well-known resident of the park and its loss will be deeply felt.”

 

Veterinarians have been called in to conduct a full autopsy, while monks have been invited to perform religious rites before the elephant is buried within the national park.

 

Plai Khun Suek, recognised for his broken tusks, was a familiar sight in the area. His death underscores the ongoing conflict between Thailand’s growing wild elephant population and human settlements at the forest’s edge.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-17

 

 

 

[simon43]

Dumb villagers using a lethal level of electricity.  They should be prosecuted.

[TedG]

1 minute ago, simon43 said:

Dumb villagers using a lethal level of electricity.  They should be prosecuted.

Agreeded. 

[daveAustin]

31 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

We do not place blame on anyone. This was an unfortunate incident.

… caused by villagers that strung up a cable! Alright they wouldn’t anticipate this, but Thais can be really switched off at times, esp regarding electricity. Even working alongside decent sparkies offshore, the shortcuts and nonchalance regards electricity is next level. If I try to explain it in the most polite way possible, I’m being ‘too serious’ or something. 😔

At least beastie would have gone out quick… four bare feet on the ground, good earthing. RIP my friend.