Minister Orders Urgent Action After Deadly Wildlife Attacks in Chanthaburi

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suthat Chomklin issued urgent orders to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to elevate surveillance measures and resolve the problem of wildlife straying outside protected areas. This followed two wildlife attacks on civilians in Chanthaburi on the same day, October 28, 2026. The minister instructed the formation of rapid mobile patrol units working with community leaders in high-risk areas, along with full compensation for the injured and the family of the deceased according to government regulations. He also ordered improvements to the early warning system for wildlife threats to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and emphasized that officials must prioritize safety. "The Ministry and the Department express condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. The Department has been instructed to intensify patrols and urgently drive wildlife back into deep forests for public safety," Minister Suthat stated. Department Director-General Yongyut Nakwiroj confirmed that officials were dispatched immediately to assist civilians and assess the situation. The first incident occurred at 1:00 PM when a gaur left the Khlong Khrua Wai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamon subdistrict, Makham district, behaving aggressively and injuring three villagers. All victims were hospitalized. The sanctuary coordinated with Khao Khitchakut National Park staff to monitor the animal and warn residents not to provoke it. The second incident occurred at 4:00 PM when a wild elephant killed a male villager inside the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Phawa subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut district. Officials are retrieving the body and coordinating compensation for the family as directed by the minister.