A young wild elephant was electrocuted while foraging on farmland near Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, prompting a full investigation.
The incident occurred in the Pa Deng subdistrict of Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district, where a farmer had installed illegal electric fencing to protect his crops. The elephant, estimated to be between eight and 10 years old and weighing around 2 tonnes, was found dead yesterday, November 20, with visible burn marks on its trunk.
Officials from Conservation Area Office 3, along with Kaeng Krachan National Park rangers and veterinarians from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, were joined at the scene by local police, military personnel from Thap Phraya Suea, district officers, and representatives from the Pa Deng subdistrict and the electricity authority to carry out the investigation.
According to officials, the makeshift barrier was installed by a 73 year old farmer to stop cows from grazing on his crops. The electrified wires ran around his farmland, located just outside the boundary of the national park. Unfortunately, the elephant came into contact with the wires while foraging and was electrocuted on the spot.
Veterinary staff conducted a necropsy, confirming electrocution as the cause of death. Samples of the elephant’s stomach contents were also collected for analysis to determine its recent foraging habits, reported KhaoSod.
Nitit Nunsong, Director of the Conservation Area Office 3 (Phetchaburi branch), ordered Kaeng Krachan National Park officers to gather witness statements and evidence to proceed with legal action. He emphasised the importance of protecting wildlife and ensuring farmers do not use illegal methods that could lead to fatal encounters.
“The team must expedite legal proceedings against those responsible to prevent further harm to wild animals.”
Officials are now collaborating with local agencies to promote safer, non-lethal methods of deterring wildlife, as human-elephant conflict intensifies in rural communities bordering protected forests.
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