Wild Elephant Kills Motorcyclist in Kanchanaburi
A 60-year-old rubber tapper was killed by a wild elephant around 4:30 AM while riding his motorcycle to work in Kanchanaburi's Thong Pha Phum district. The attack occurred on a rural road near a national park that had previously warned residents about elephants in the area. Authorities estimate 40-50 wild elephants currently roam outside the park boundaries.
Kanchanaburi — A 60-year-old villager from Moo 3, Tha Kradan subdistrict, was found dead on the roadside at around 4:30 AM after being attacked by a wild elephant while heading to his 400-rai rubber plantation. Police Lieutenant Wanat Makaew, deputy investigator at Thong Pha Phum Police Station, responded with a doctor from Thong Pha Phum Hospital and Kanchanaburi Rescue Foundation staff. The victim's body lay crumpled with bones shattered throughout, and drag marks from the elephant were visible on the road. His motorcycle lay nearby with a flashlight and one boot. The man's son, who was following behind, discovered the scene 100 meters from the village and alerted authorities. Police believe the elephant, unseen in the darkness, charged suddenly. The victim attempted to flee but was caught. An estimated 40-50 wild elephants from Khao Laem National Park currently roam outside the protected area in small herds. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Supachai Chomklin and Department of National Parks Director-General Yongyut Nakviroj are expected to order the Conservation Area 3 (Ban Pong) director and Khao Laem National Park chief to visit the family and provide compensation per department regulations. The family has accepted the cause of death and will proceed with religious rites.
