Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Wild gaurs injured two villagers in separate attacks on the same day in Nakhon Ratchasima, prompting officials to prepare drone operations to push the animals back into protected forest areas. Police and rescue teams were called on 27 November to a maize field in Ban Hua Khao Pattana, Moo 13, Makluea Kao, Sung Noen district, where 68-year-old Samruay Parnchuen was found with severe abdominal and facial wounds. He was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to Theppharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.

 

The attack occurred in a field bordering the foothills of Khao Phu Luang, where local residents have frequently reported sightings of a herd of eight to ten gaurs foraging near farmland. Village headman Khajornsak Krachapklang said he had repeatedly broadcast warnings advising people working in the fields to exercise caution, particularly during the cool season when the animals tend to roam more widely. He noted that some villagers may not have received the warnings or underestimated the risk.

 

Earlier the same day, a 60-year-old woman, Sukonthip Phimthonglang, was also injured by a gaur while collecting maize approximately one kilometre from the site of the later attack. Her injuries were reported to be less serious, but the two incidents have heightened concern among residents. Khajornsak said he had coordinated with wildlife protection authorities to prevent further harm and ensure the herd is moved safely back into the forest.

 

Noppadon Khoniewklang, head of the Khao Phu Luang forest and wildlife protection unit, confirmed that a temporary operations centre will be established to manage the situation. He said drones had been deployed on the morning of 28 November to track the herd that injured the villagers and to guide it away from agricultural and residential areas. Local leaders, including village headmen and subdistrict officials, have been asked to report any sightings immediately so officers can respond swiftly.

 

Daily News reported that authorities say the objective is to minimise the risk to the community while avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the animals. The plan focuses on monitoring their movements and directing them toward safer zones within the forest. Officials emphasised that community cooperation and rapid reporting will be essential over the coming days.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two villagers were injured by gaurs on 27 November in Sung Noen district.

• Officials deployed drones on 28 November to track and push the herd back into forest areas.

• Local leaders have been instructed to report sightings to help prevent further incidents.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-11-29