A food vendor was injured when the van she was driving struck a large wild elephant crossing Route 344 in Rayong. The elephant was also hurt and disappeared into nearby forest after the collision.

The crash happened at about 3.15am in the morning, on the Ban Bueng-Klaeng road, near the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation at kilometre marker 71+100, on the Klaeng-bound side.

The van was carrying supplies for the woman's morning food business. Her son, Thanadon Khamdee, was travelling with her.

Crash before dawn

Rescue workers from the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, who were on duty at the time, found the van with its front end severely damaged. Its windscreen had shattered, while the bonnet and roof had collapsed after hitting the elephant.

The driver suffered injuries to her head and face. Rescuers gave her first aid before taking her to a private hospital in Chon Buri province for further examination and treatment.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Thanadon said his mother had been driving normally when they saw a large object crossing the road ahead. In the darkness, they initially believed it was the shadow of a large tree across the carriageway.

By the time they realised it was an elephant, the van was too close to stop. The vehicle struck the animal heavily, and they heard it cry out afterwards.

Search for the injured animal

The elephant reportedly walked away while making distressed calls, then entered a canal and vanished into forest beside the road, heading towards a reservoir.

Wild elephant tracking teams and other relevant agencies have sent staff to search the area. Their aim is to find the animal, assess its condition and provide treatment if needed.

Advice for motorists

Officials have urged drivers on Route 344 to slow down and remain especially alert at night, particularly in places where elephants regularly cross.

Anyone who encounters a wild elephant should not use their horn or rev the engine in an attempt to force it away, officials said. Drivers should stop at a safe distance to avoid escalating the risk of another collision.

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12 August 2026

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1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Thanadon said his mother had been driving normally when they saw a large object crossing the road ahead. In the darkness, they initially believed it was the shadow of a large tree across the carriageway.

By the time they realised it was an elephant, the van was too close to stop. The vehicle struck the animal heavily, and they heard it cry out afterwards.

Yeah, right! Better safe than sorry. Idiotic!

said his mother had been driving normally

That was the first pork pie told.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

By the time they realised it was an elephant, the van was too close to stop.

Erring on the side of caution is not a Thai trait

1 minute ago, Hotchilli123 said:

Erring on the side of caution is not a Thai trait

Up until then, they thought it a large gray rock!

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thanadon said his mother had been driving normally

Normally = ragging the bolts out of the cylinder head, pedal to the floor as it is the early hours and there is no traffic and this is what you normally do every day as part of your business day whilst playing with your phone of course.

How do you not see an elephant on a road??

Hit a few Roos in Australia but I imagine an elephant might be different!

1 hour ago, rocketboy2 said:

That was the first pork pie told.

I think he meant speeding as normal. That is a lot of damage. Hell! She even had bull bars fitted for such an event.

13 minutes ago, phetphet said:

I think he meant speeding as normal. That is a lot of damage. Hell! She even had bull bars fitted for such an event.

And no seat belt judging by the injuries described.

I hope the elephant is ok- that is a lot of damage to the vehicle

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

And no seat belt judging by the injuries described.

The injuries sound pretty consistent with wearing a seatbelt and the crushed roof of the van. If she hadn't been wearing one the elephant would probably have crushed her into the dashboard.

Dreadful driving. Very sorry for the elephant. It must be badly injured Judging by the damage to the vehicle.

I was returning home late one night and on this dark road I could see this red light

going side to side ,I thought better be careful here ,could be someone drunk on a

bike or motorcycle, getting nearer I see its an Elephant ,with a red light attached to

it's tail

regards worgeordie

10 hours ago, Briggsy said:

How do you not see an elephant on a road??

It being 3.15 am may be?

10 hours ago, phetphet said:

Hell! She even had bull bars fitted for such an event.

But they are lethal to pedestrians. Probably don't do a lot of to motor cycles either.

10 minutes ago, Geoff914 said:

But they are lethal to pedestrians. Probably don't do a lot of to motor cycles either.

I doubt they did much good to the poor elephant either. I would hope the authorities would do a search for it. Provide veterinary care, or put it out of it's misery if necessary. I can't abide seeing animals suffer.

Edited August 12Aug 12 by phetphet

7 hours ago, worgeordie said:

I was returning home late one night and on this dark road I could see this red light

going side to side ,I thought better be careful here ,could be someone drunk on a

bike or motorcycle, getting nearer I see its an Elephant ,with a red light attached to

it's tail

regards worgeordie

That was when Surin mahouts used to bring their elephants to Bangkok. I used to collect their siht for my garden.

2 hours ago, phetphet said:

I doubt they did much good to the poor elephant either. I would hope the authorities would do a search for it. Provide veterinary care, or put it out of it's misery if necessary. I can't abide seeing animals suffer.

Right there is not as much damage to the lower parts of the van. Must have knocked the elephant off of its feet onto the van. Said it walked off so no broken legs. They are quite substantial so fingers crossed not to much in the way of internal injuries.