Volunteer Wild Elephant Monitor Dies in Duty
A volunteer elephant monitor in Chachoengsao Province was killed by a wild elephant while protecting his community on September 16, prompting the government to award 1 million baht compensation to his family.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants is preparing 1 million baht in compensation for the family of the Ta Kradan subdistrict volunteer team leader who was killed by a wild elephant while performing his duty to drive it away from the community. The subdistrict chief revealed that before his death, the volunteer never accepted daily compensation, preferring instead to donate it to fellow team members.
On September 17, 2025, reporters followed up on Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's order to the department to expedite assistance to the family of the deceased volunteer coordinator who died while on duty protecting and managing wild elephants. The department is preparing to pay 1 million baht in compensation and expressed condolences to the family. The incident occurred on September 16, 2025, when a member of the Ta Kradan Subdistrict Administrative Organization and coordinator of the volunteer wild elephant monitoring and management team was attacked and killed by a wild elephant while attempting to drive it out of the residential area.
Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing the deceased as an important and self-sacrificing volunteer who performed his duties with courage for the safety of the public. He immediately ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to provide full and immediate assistance and compensation to the bereaved family.
At Thao Udom Temple meeting hall in Tambon Ta Kradan, Sanam Chai Khhet District, Chachoengsao Province, Ekchai Saendee, head of Khao Ang Raine Wildlife Reserve, and Saththawi Kulsari, Ta Kradan Subdistrict Chief, along with related agencies, presented wreaths on behalf of Privy Councilor Chaleomchai Sithisarn.
The deceased's wife, Jamrien, was moved to tears when Ekchai confirmed that her husband had received appropriate benefits according to the minister's directive. The 1 million baht compensation represents financial restitution to the deceased's family but cannot compare to the loss of such a dedicated volunteer. Before his death, the volunteer had told the subdistrict chief that he did not wish to receive daily wages, but instead requested that the compensation be given to fellow villagers joining the wild elephant monitoring and management team, since he already received a salary as a subdistrict administrative organization member. This was intended to create a Ta Kradan model to build morale among future volunteers.
Memorial services will be held nightly from September 16-19, with the funeral rites scheduled for September 20 at 3:30 p.m. at Thao Udom Temple.
