Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A 55-year-old man was found dead after being attacked by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan province. The discovery followed a three-day search after the man was reported missing by his relatives. Authorities believe he encountered the elephant at close range while collecting forest produce and was trampled to death.

 

The incident occurred in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Bueng Kan’s Bung Khla district. On 29 October 2025, at around 10.45, the village headman of Khok Kwang subdistrict was informed that a body had been found in the forest area. The deceased was identified as Mr. Thui, a 55-year-old resident of Ban Nong Bo, Khok Kwang subdistrict, Bung Khla district.

 

Preliminary examinations indicated that Mr. Thui sustained fatal injuries consistent with being attacked by a wild elephant. His body was discovered deep within the sanctuary where he had been foraging for forest products. Family members reported that he had left home on 26 October 2025 and failed to return, prompting them to file a missing person report with Bung Khla Police Station.

 

Following the report, local officials and villagers organised a search operation across the dense forest. After three days, the search team located the victim’s body in a secluded area. Authorities suspect the man came face-to-face with the elephant unexpectedly and was unable to escape the attack.

 

Wild elephant encounters in Thailand have become increasingly frequent, particularly in areas where human activity overlaps with protected habitats. Experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and encroachment are driving elephants closer to communities, raising the risk of conflict. Local wildlife officers have urged residents to exercise extreme caution when entering protected areas to collect forest products.

 

Officials have transported the body out of the forest and sent it for a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. Authorities from the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary and the Department of National Parks are reviewing safety protocols and may increase patrols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 55-year-old man was killed by a wild elephant in Bueng Kan after going missing for three days.

• The victim was found in Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, where he had gone to collect forest products.

• Authorities plan to conduct a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-10-31

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sad story. The fact is increasing numbers of people are taking over territory previously occupied by elephants and other wild life.

On 10/31/2025 at 5:16 AM, Georgealbert said:

His body was discovered deep within the sanctuary where he had been foraging for forest products.

If you go into the woods today be sure of a big surprise... it's a jungle out there, stay alert

On 10/31/2025 at 6:33 AM, Thingamabob said:

A sad story. The fact is increasing numbers of people are taking over territory previously occupied by elephants and other wild life.

 

Correct, the human population is too big.

 

3 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Correct, the human population is too big.

 

that's a false dichotomy.

Thailand has ignored the plight of both wild and captive elephants for too long – the situation is totally out of control. 

DNP wants to stop encroachment onto national parks, and they need to look at areas that need rewilding as well. This is not just a problem for elephants – a few years back a study showed there was room for 2000 tigers in Thailand when in fact they have about 200 to 400... The space for wildlife is there; it's just incredibly badly managed.