Man Found Dead After Wild Elephant Attack at Home
A 60-year-old man in Chachoengsao was found dead in his garden with a crushed head and broken arm; police suspect a wild elephant attack based on footprints at the scene but are awaiting autopsy results.
A neighbor grew concerned when his friend failed to bring offerings to monks for two days and could not be reached. Police from Nong Yai Station in Chachoengsao received a report on August 10 of a death in a garden behind a house in Tambon Hang Suai, Amphoe Nong Yai. Officers discovered the body of Direk, 60, lying dead near a barbed wire fence. The victim was wearing only pants with no shirt, had a crushed head, a broken right arm, and bruising around the neck. A closed umbrella was found nearby.
Investigators found elephant footprints around the scene, measuring approximately 43 and 34 centimeters in diameter. A neighbor, Suchet, 45, explained that Direk's relatives from Samut Prakan had called asking him to check on Direk after his phone went unanswered. Direk normally came out each morning to make merit offerings, but had not been seen for two days, which raised suspicion. When Suchet arrived at the house, he found the door open and the television left on. While searching the garden and following a foul smell, he discovered Direk's body by the wire fence.
Police initially suspect the victim was attacked by a wild elephant based on the footprints found near the body. However, authorities are awaiting autopsy results from a physician and further forensic examination before making a final determination.
