Accident Wild Elephants Kills Villager in Khon Kaen

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A group of wild elephants entered agricultural land in Si Chomphu District, Khon Kaen Province and fatally attacked a local villager during the night.

 

Police from Si Chomphu District, together with volunteers from the Sattha Tham Si Chomphu Charity Association, discovered the body floating face-down in a pond in Dong Lan Subdistrict. The victim was later identified as 52-year-old Mr Nirand. Authorities reported multiple injuries, including bruises across his body, broken arms and legs and severe facial lacerations. His body was taken to Si Chomphu Hospital for further examination.

 

At the scene, officials found evidence of the elephants’ movement, including flattened sugarcane and footprints leading to the pond, alongside torn clothing belonging to the victim. Investigations indicate that Mr Nirand had gone out to fish for eels during the night, coinciding with the elephants’ foraging activity.

 

Local village chief Mr Komson Thumkhod confirmed that three wild elephants, known locally as Ngajiew, Rodtang and Lon, were present in the area. Authorities had attempted to drive the herd back to forested areas near Phu Kradueng National Park earlier in the night, but the elephants had strayed into farmland near Dong Lan Subdistrict.

 

Officials are now closely monitoring the herd’s movements and advising residents to avoid areas frequented by the elephants. This incident marks the second fatal attack in the district in recent years, following a similar case on 3 April 2024.

 

Authorities continue to urge caution and emphasise the importance of community awareness to prevent further human-wildlife conflicts.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-21