Wild Elephant Kills Woman in Chonburi Rubber Plantation
CHONBURI — 4 October 2026, A 36-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant while collecting latex with her husband at a rubber plantation in Nong Yai district on Sunday morning. Her husband said he witnessed the attack but was unable to help her. At about 06:00 on Sunday, Nong Yai Police Station in Chonburi […]
At about 06:00 on Sunday, Nong Yai Police Station in Chonburi was alerted by residents that a person had been killed by a wild elephant at a rubber plantation in Moo 1, Khlong Phlu subdistrict, Nong Yai district. Police coordinated with Nong Yai rescue workers and proceeded to the scene. They found the body of Wanna, 36, whose surname was withheld. She sustained injuries consistent with an elephant attack and was pronounced dead on site. Authorities secured the area and began an investigation.
Phanmongkhon, 27, the victim’s husband and the person who reported the incident, said he and his wife had gone to the plantation before dawn as usual to collect latex. Around 06:00, his wife spotted a wild elephant entering the plantation and shouted, “An elephant is coming—run!” The couple fled in different directions; Phanmongkhon ran uphill while his wife took another path. The elephant ignored him and chased his wife. He later heard her scream before it fell silent. Turning back, Phanmongkhon witnessed the elephant attacking his wife but was unable to reach her. After the elephant eventually left and the area seemed safe, he approached and found his wife dead. He then immediately contacted police.
Authorities are investigating the attack and working with agencies responsible for wild elephant management. They are also inspecting the surrounding area to prevent further incidents. Officials urged people living or working near forested areas to exercise caution, advising anyone who encounters a wild elephant to keep their distance, avoid approaching, chasing, or provoking it, and to notify the relevant authorities immediately.
