Wildlife Ranger Killed by Elephant in Phetchabun
Phetchabun, Thailand – A tragic incident occurred on Monday when a wildlife ranger was killed and another injured while attempting to chase a wild elephant away from village farms in Lom Kao district.
The two rangers, both from Phuluang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei province, were part of a team trying to move the elephant back into the forest after it had been raiding crops. The attack occurred around 3:30 PM, according to Athapol Charoenshunsa, the director-general of national parks, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
Anuchit Jansangsiri, 52, was fatally attacked by the elephant, while 48-year-old Sathit Wongsri suffered injuries to his arms and chest. Sathit is currently being treated at Lom Kao Hospital for his injuries.
The wild elephant had been causing damage by eating crops in the area, prompting the rangers and a group of villagers to intervene. The incident occurred in Tambon Sila of Phetchabun, which lies near the Phuluang Sanctuary in neighboring Loei. Wild elephants are often found in this area, where they raid farms and destroy property.
Reports indicate that a villager was also attacked and killed in the same region two years ago.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation expressed their condolences through a message on Facebook to the deceased ranger’s family. Environment and Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on also extended his sympathies, advising caution when dealing with wild animals. The deceased ranger’s family will be entitled to rights and benefits as per regulations.
