Wild Elephant Kills Loei Villager; Minister Orders Compensation
A wild elephant from Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary attacked and killed a woman in Huai Mun village, Loei province. Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on ordered urgent compensation and assistance for the victim's family, while officials have driven the elephant away from the area and increased patrols to prevent further incidents.
On November 3, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on expressed profound sorrow to the family of Ms. Chom, a resident of Huai Mun village, Moo 5, Kok Sathon subdistrict, Dan Sai district, Loei province, after she was attacked and killed by a wild elephant from Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. The minister directed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to expedite assistance and compensation for the victim's family as quickly as possible.
Department Director-General Yanyong Nakviroj revealed he received a report from Natthawat Nuisri, director of Conservation Area Administration Office 8, and instructed Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary chief Wanchai Simma-sien to deploy officers to thoroughly inspect the incident site. Officials also delivered wreaths from the minister and department executives to pay respects at the funeral and offer condolences.
Officials provided initial assistance funds for the funeral rites and served as hosts for the bathing ceremony and cremation at Wat Non Sawang Samakkhee through November 5. Phu Luang sanctuary staff facilitated all arrangements and are expediting documentation from relatives to process compensation under the department's 2026 regulations for wild elephant impacts.
Regarding the current situation, the operations team has successfully tracked and driven the elephant away from the incident area. The elephant has moved toward Ban Na Wan Noi in Dan Sai subdistrict and district. Authorities are coordinating with local administration, community leaders, and residents to enhance monitoring, increase patrols to drive the elephant further away, and warn the public to exercise extra caution to prevent further incidents.
