Khao Yai Forest Elephant Kills Camping Tourist in Wang Nam Khiao

On February 2, 2024, at the camping area of Khao Yai National Park's ranger unit, Jiratckai, a 69-year-old tourist from Lopburi, was camping and went for an early morning walk. He suddenly encountered Plai Oi Wan, a wild elephant from the national park that was foraging outside its usual area. The elephant attacked him using its trunk, repeatedly hitting and trampling him to death about 20 meters from his tent. Other campers witnessed the attack but were too afraid to help. After the incident, park rangers and local police arrived and drove the elephant away. Medical personnel found the victim had bleeding from the mouth and nose, broken limbs, and multiple body injuries. Park officials confirmed the elephant was in musth and had previously killed two villagers, making this the third fatal attack.