Buriram: A life-or-death moment unfolded for an elderly couple in Buriram province when a wild elephant invaded their hut, forcing them to climb a tree to escape. After the terrifying encounter, the couple called for help from officials responsible for managing wild elephants in the Dong Yai forest. It was discovered that the elephant had previously attacked and killed several villagers.
According to Thai News Agency, officials from the Dong Yai wild elephant control team in the Non Din Daeng district promptly responded to the distress call. They rushed to the aid of Mr. Siam, 63, and Mrs. Prapai, 66, who were clinging to a tree in Nong Semet village, Lam Nang Rong subdistrict. The elephant was attempting to pull and shake the tree where the couple had built their hut.
The officials safely rescued the couple from their precarious position. The incident took place around midnight. Mrs. Prapai explained that they usually graze their cows in the area and had constructed a raised hut supported by trees for overnight stays. When she felt the hut shaking, she discovered the large elephant and warned her husband, who has hearing difficulties.
In a desperate attempt to escape, the couple climbed trees while calling for help. Within 20 minutes, the elephant rescue team arrived and assisted them. Mrs. Prapai noted that, although they had encountered wild elephants before, this one seemed more focused on finding people than objects. Mr. Siam expressed his fear during the incident, recounting how the elephant used its trunk to push the trees.
Mr. Ongart, the headman of Lam Nang Rong Subdistrict, stated that the incident occurred in a community forest area near Ta Phraya National Park. He confirmed that the elephant involved has a history of attacking and killing villagers.