Wild Elephant Kills Tourist in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park
Third Fatality Linked to Same Animal Sparks Safety Concerns
By [Your Name] | February 3, 2026
A wild bull elephant in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park has killed a tourist, marking the third death linked to the same animal and raising urgent concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The latest victim, 65-year-old Thai man Jiratchai Jiraphatboonyathorn, was fatally trampled while walking near his campsite early Monday morning. Witnesses say the attack happened suddenly and without warning.
A Sudden, Fatal Encounter
Authorities report that Jiratchai and his wife were near the Khlong Pla Kang ranger station campground in the Wang Nam Khiao district when the bull elephant charged.
“He was struck and trampled immediately. There was nothing anyone could do,” said a local ranger.
The victim’s wife escaped unharmed and alerted nearby campers and park officials. Emergency responders confirmed the man had died from trampling injuries.
This is the third confirmed fatality attributed to the same bull elephant, locally known as Plai Oi Wan. Two previous deaths in the park are now officially linked to this animal.
Pattern of Attacks Raises Alarm
Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s oldest protected area, covering over 2,000 square kilometers and home to a large population of wild Asian elephants. The park draws millions of tourists annually but has seen a rise in fatal human-elephant encounters.
“We are aware of the risks posed by this particular bull. Immediate action is necessary to protect both visitors and local communities,” said Chaiya Huayhongthong, park chief.
Statistics show that over 220 people have been killed in wild elephant attacks across Thailand since 2012, highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict.
Authorities Plan Action
Following Monday’s attack, park authorities and local police scheduled a meeting to determine the next steps for the bull elephant.
Options include:
Relocation to a remote area away from human activity
Behavior modification programs to reduce aggression
Enhanced monitoring to track movement and alert visitors
“We will probably decide to relocate him or change his behaviour,” said Chaiya, though no final decision has been made.
Meanwhile, police have increased patrols around high-risk areas, including campgrounds and hiking trails.
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Thailand
Experts say that Thailand’s wild elephant population, now approaching 800 individuals, increasingly overlaps with human settlements due to habitat loss and agricultural expansion.
Elephants often travel long distances in search of food and water. These encounters, especially with adult bull elephants, can turn deadly within seconds.
Conservationists stress the importance of:
Tracking high-risk elephants
Educating communities and visitors on safe behavior
Building safe infrastructure in campsites
Collaborating with wildlife experts to implement humane control
Despite being protected by law and revered culturally, elephants remain a significant safety concern in Thailand’s parks and rural areas.
Tourism Under Scrutiny
Khao Yai National Park is a major tourism hub, attracting visitors for its forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Incidents like this third fatality threaten both lives and the reputation of Thailand’s tourism sector.
Authorities emphasize that most visitors never encounter dangerous wildlife if they follow safety guidelines. Rangers continue to monitor known elephant routes and provide early-warning systems near campsites.
A Wake-Up Call
The death of Jiratchai Jiraphatboonyathorn underscores the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation. With three fatalities tied to a single animal, experts call for urgent strategies to prevent further tragedies.
“This is a clear sign that we must act decisively to ensure human safety while preserving our elephant populations,” said a park official.
As Thailand navigates this human-wildlife conflict, the challenge remains: coexistence without compromising lives. Authorities hope that lessons learned from this incident will lead to safer, smarter, and more sustainable conservation policies.
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