Wild Elephants Damage Four Homes in Loei’s Wang Saphung

Pictures courtesy of NBT

Wild elephants from the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary damaged four homes and agricultural structures in Wang Saphung district, Loei province, causing fear among residents and losses to property and crops. The incident occurred on 9 January 2026 in Ban Khon Kaen, Moo 7, Khao Luang subdistrict, after elephants left the protected forest to forage near communities.

Local authorities said the elephants, entered residential areas and destroyed parts of houses, barns, fences and crops. Immediate assessments were carried out to determine the extent of damage and to provide initial assistance to affected households.

According to district officials, the Wang Saphung district chief, Yosawat Patcharasaksakul, was notified by the Khao Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation on 9 January 2026. He instructed local officials, including subdistrict leaders, village heads, and administrative staff, to inspect the damage and document losses.

The survey confirmed damage to four households across Moo 7 and Moo 11 in Khao Luang subdistrict. At house number 257, Moo 7, owned by Nattrika Kongklin, wild elephants destroyed two barbed-wire fence posts. At house number 271, Moo 7, owned by Sakorn Kongklin, an elephant damaged a rice barn.

Further damage was reported in Moo 11, where elephants destroyed a rice barn at house number 214, owned by Pornnapa Promkhotkha. At house number 166, owned by Apichat Thart, part of the residential structure was damaged by elephants entering the property.

Officials explained that Khao Luang subdistrict has increasingly been affected by wild elephants moving out of the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephant herds have reportedly split into smaller groups to search for new habitats and food sources, spreading across several areas of Loei province.

This movement has intensified human–elephant conflict, with elephants venturing closer to villages and agricultural land. Residents have reported growing fear and repeated losses as elephants consume crops and damage property over wide areas, increasing tensions between communities and wildlife.

District authorities said the current incidents reflect a broader and escalating problem that has become more severe over time. The repeated incursions have placed pressure on local administrations to respond while balancing conservation responsibilities.

NBT reported that Wang Saphung district officials and local leaders are compiling relevant documentation to support compensation and assistance requests. These will be submitted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to ensure affected residents receive official support.

Key Takeaways

• Wild elephants damaged four homes and farm structures in Wang Saphung, Loei, on 9 January 2026.

• The elephants are believed to have come from Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in search of food and habitat.

• Local authorities are assessing damage and preparing compensation requests under existing regulations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBT 2026-01-11