Veterinary Team to Autopsy Wild Elephant Found Dead in Songkhla

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A male wild elephant aged around five to six years has been found dead in a forest area of Saba Yoi district, prompting authorities to dispatch a veterinary team to conduct a detailed post-mortem to determine the cause of death. The discovery has led to tightened controls at the site to ensure transparency during the investigation.

The incident was reported on 16 January after local residents and a community network alerted officials to the presence of the carcass in Ban Rai Nuea area. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation shared images and details via its official Facebook page, praising the timely notification by members of the public.

According to Mr Sajarin Srisen, Director of the Office of Conservation Area Administration 6 (Songkhla), the swift report allowed officials to respond quickly and secure the location. He said the cooperation demonstrated effective collaboration between local communities and authorities in protecting natural resources.

Following the report, Ms Salinee Khwansri, Chief of Sankalakhiri National Park, led park officials together with local administrative officers and community leaders to inspect the site. The carcass was found at the edge of a rubber plantation within the national reserved forest of the Toa Thep mountain range and Khuan Hin Lap forest, outside the designated area for the park’s formal establishment.

The elephant was identified as a young male in a key growth stage, making the loss particularly significant for conservation efforts. Officials described the animal as an important symbol of ecological abundance in the Sankalakhiri forest complex.

Authorities have coordinated with a veterinary team to carry out a full autopsy to establish the precise cause of death. The examination will focus on identifying any underlying illness, injury, or external factors, with findings expected to guide further action.

Daily News reported that to maintain security and transparency, the surrounding area has been strictly controlled during the process, with officials emphasising that all procedures will follow established protocols and any further actions will be followed after the full autopsy results. The Department of National Parks stated that it remains committed to safeguarding wildlife and ensuring accountability in investigations involving protected species.

Key Takeaways

• A young male wild elephant was found dead in Saba Yoi district on 16 January.

• Authorities have ordered a veterinary autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

• Community reporting played a key role in enabling a rapid official response.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-18