Rampaging Elephant Injures Mahout as Capture Efforts Fail

Picture courtesy of Workpoint 

Authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat are still unable to capture “Phlai Peter”, a 35-year-old male elephant, after it went on a rampage during musth and seriously injured its mahout on 20 December 2025. The elephant trampled the handler, causing severe internal injuries and despite intensive efforts involving tranquilliser darts, it remains at large in forested terrain. The incident has raised safety concerns among local residents near the search area.

According to reports on 21 December, the injured mahout was rushed by villagers and relatives to Tha Sala Hospital in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Doctors confirmed he suffered intestinal rupture and was in critical condition, but emergency surgery was successful and he is now out of danger. He remains hospitalised for further treatment and monitoring until his condition fully stabilises.

Following the attack, Phlai Peter fled into forested land around Noen Chor Wai hill near Wat Tham Khao Lek, Moo 2, Nopphitam subdistrict, Nopphitam district. Villagers requested urgent assistance from veterinary specialists as the elephant continued to display aggressive musth behaviour in the wild. Concerns were heightened due to the proximity of the forest to local communities and religious sites.

Veterinary expert, a volunteer veterinarian from the Friends of the Elephant Foundation, travelled to the area with a team of officials carrying tranquilliser rifles and equipment. The operation involved tracking, herding attempts and darting the elephant in difficult conditions. The terrain was described as mountainous, densely forested and hazardous, complicating efforts throughout both day and night.

Over the course of the operation, five tranquilliser darts were fired at Phlai Peter, but none were effective. The veterinarian explained that the elephant is highly intelligent and repeatedly countered the sedatives by drinking large amounts of water from streams and consuming significant quantities of wild bananas. These actions reduced the impact of the drugs, preventing the team from safely restraining the animal.

Workpoint News reported that due to safety risks to personnel and villagers, officials eventually withdrew overnight. As of the evening of 21 December 2568, Phlai Peter remained free in the forest, still in musth. Authorities confirmed that a new plan is being prepared to resume tranquillisation and capture efforts.

Key Takeaways

• A 35-year-old male elephant in musth seriously injured its mahout, who is now recovering in hospital.

• Veterinary teams fired five tranquilliser darts, but the elephant resisted sedation in difficult terrain.

• Officials have withdrawn temporarily and will attempt a renewed capture operation.

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Workpointnews 2025-12-22