When Wild Elephants Threaten Communities: Where Does the Story End? Is the answer blowing in the wind?

1.

Twilight Awakenings: The Tale of Plai Biang Lek

As the sun dips low and twilight descends upon the forest, it is time for Plai Biang Lek—also known as Plai Ngong Thong—a young wild bull elephant of Khao Yai, to begin his nightly journey.

Since being cast out from his herd by Ma Plaek, the matriarch, he has roamed in search of a new domain. He eventually discovered a landscape unlike anything in the forest: fields brimming with delicious crops, free of predators and threats. To him, this bountiful land must have felt like a new kingdom.

Every evening, Plai Biang Lek follows his routine: emerging from the forest edge, crossing the park's boundary just as a dozen rangers and local volunteers prepare to monitor and, if needed, push him away from human settlements.

He is one of the bold young elephants who venture into human territory, drawn by the irresistible allure of jackfruit, corn, and mangoes. These flavors were unknown to him in the wild. With such abundance, why return to the forest? Over time, this wild elephant has become a "community elephant."

His latest escapade—standing in a local grocery shop with his truck-sized frame, swinging his scarred trunk in search of snacks—made international headlines. There was no need to speculate; photos captured the moment, undeniable and unfiltered.

Naturally, such incidents terrify homeowners. But this isn’t new. Elephants have been venturing beyond Khao Yai's boundaries for over two decades. What started with one or two has grown into a group of nearly thirty. The issue has been raised in many forums, yet no definitive solution has emerged.

Without intervention, this could become a ticking time bomb. Khao Yai is a major tourist destination in Thailand. If unresolved, this conflict could deeply impact tourism—a cornerstone of the local economy.

2.

Four Subdistricts Under Siege

Phra Athikan Kampanat Suketthito, abbot of Wat Mu Si and president of the Khao Yai Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Group, has followed this issue closely for years. In an interview with Khaoyai Connect, he recounts the evolving relationship between people and elephants.

Founded to support government officers, the conservation group helps both wildlife and environmental issues within Khao Yai National Park and adjacent areas, including managing elephants that wander beyond the forest.

The elephant incursions began around 1999. At first, just one or two bold elephants explored farmland at the forest's edge. But because elephants are social animals, once one discovers a food source, others soon follow. And because humans posed no threat, their foraging radius expanded from just 1 km to over 10 km.

"In the past, they would forage 4-5 km out and return by morning. But now they recognize this space as safe and livable. With food and shelter available, they have embedded themselves in fallow lands and unused plots owned by millionaires. They sleep there, drink from nearby streams, and forage at night."

Today, four subdistricts in Pak Chong District—Pong Ta Long, Mu Si, Phaya Yen, and Nong Nam Daeng—are affected. Phra Kampanat has coordinated with community leaders and even taken local officials to meet national lawmakers. Yet government support remains slow, prompting the formation of volunteer watch groups. Mu Si now has around 20 volunteers; Nong Nam Daeng has a group called "Friends of Elephants," also under monastic guidance.

3.

Emergency Measures: Pushing Back and Providing Relief

The volunteers play a vital support role: alerting rangers, assisting with transportation, and pushing back elephants when necessary to prevent damage.

"Once on site, we identify the elephant. If it's not causing trouble, we let it be. If it's heading toward homes, we act quickly—using sound, bottle clanking, or even vehicles to divert it. Still, it's never-ending. We push it from one home and it ends up at another. Residents then complain, blaming volunteers. This emotional toll is constant."

When damage occurs, the group helps as much as possible—though, by rights, this should fall under the Ministry of Interior. In the absence of clear policies, they offer what relief they can.

"Relief builds goodwill and reduces conflict. Sometimes it’s just showing up with a rice cooker, rice, fish sauce. If a car is damaged, and it’s not severe, we help cover repairs. Some supplies come from donors, others from offerings made to monks, like dried goods and staples. In larger cases, like crop damage, we provide documents and connect victims with the relevant authorities."

Phra Kampanat recently addressed Parliament's Wild Elephant Subcommittee (Group 26), requesting guidance on budgeting protocols and clearer compensation frameworks.

He notes that elephant-related incidents spike during the 6-7 months of the harvest season. In the remaining months, elephants roam villages, feeding opportunistically. On average, the group handles 1-2 relief cases monthly.

"Just recently, Plai Biang Lek entered a shop in Tha Maprang. Damage was minimal, just snacks. We compensated with 800 baht. But three months ago, he dented a car while eating mangoes. We covered a 4,000 baht repair. The same two elephants cause most disturbances: Plai Biang Lek (Ngong Thong) and Plai Duan (a tuskless bull). Others merely forage normally. But during temple festivals, even finding banana trees for decoration becomes difficult."

4.

No Light Yet at the End of the Tunnel

"Large wild animals cannot live in communities without conflict. Today, elephants disrupt people. Tomorrow, people might retaliate. And let’s not forget: gaur (wild cattle) are the next looming issue around park borders."

When asked for solutions, Phra Kampanat admits no clear answer is in sight. Government and private sectors are trying, but progress is slow.

He believes the Khao Yai problem hasn’t been prioritized because violence hasn’t occurred—unlike Chanthaburi's Khao Ang Rue Nai, where elephants have injured people and caused extensive damage. As a result, more budget flows there.

But authorities forget that Khao Yai is the crown jewel of tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima, akin to how Pattaya serves Chonburi. If a tourist were harmed by an elephant in a residential area, the impact would be catastrophic.

There is now a proposal by Khun Ratchanee Chokcharoen, assistant park director, to build elephant-proof fencing. Though costly, Phra Kampanat believes we must start—perhaps 5-10 km annually—to create long-term boundaries.

"Everyone here loves Khao Yai and wants to protect it. If an elephant is electrocuted or hit by a car, it hurts our reputation, our laws, and community trust. If a person dies, tourism confidence could collapse."

5.

Knowing Elephant Behavior to Prevent Harm

"I once farmed corn at Khao Phaeng Ma, but gave up after 200-300 gaurs destroyed everything," says Kangwan Srisawat, 47, leader of the Khao Yai rapid-response team, his eyes fixed on Plai Biang Lek shaking a mango tree.

He joined wildlife protection efforts after experiencing crop loss firsthand, working with Dr. Pichet Nunto, a wild elephant expert, and gradually transitioned into a government-contracted ranger (TOR staff).

"Mu Si is unique. In other provinces, you monitor and push back elephants. Here, it’s a tourist zone. We must mitigate harm without escalating conflict. The key is understanding elephant behavior. If not, it's dangerous."

Pushing begins with sound, escalating to using cars to nudge elephants across roads or redirect them. Local volunteers assist, trained twice yearly by park officials to use non-violent techniques.

"Most damage is agricultural—corn, sugarcane. Sometimes fences or resort walls are harmed. Talking to villagers isn’t always easy, but we try to explain behavior. Some understand; others don't. Still, we manage as best we can until a permanent solution is found."

6.

Holding the Line Together

"Until we find a real solution, we must hold the line. Avoid escalation. Violence only leads to more violence," says Naphasiri Imsaeng, coordinator of the conservation group.

"Most Khao Yai elephants were cast out from their herds. They form tight-knit groups, rarely fight, and prioritize finding food. One elephant finds a good spot, others follow. Even roadside caution is passed on. Until we can relocate them or resolve the issue, our best option is coexisting with understanding."

While no end is in sight, one thing is certain: everyone involved is working hand-in-hand, hoping the light will one day shine at the end of the tunnel. The goal is clear—to preserve Khao Yai as a true valley of happiness for all forms of life.

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