Uthai Thani: A 59-year-old man lost his life in a tragic encounter with a wild elephant while searching for frogs. The incident occurred when the man, Mr. Chalor, was returning home on his motorcycle and was chased by the elephant, causing him to fall into a drain where he was subsequently trampled to death.
According to Thai News Agency, the unfortunate event took place near the Thung Faek intersection checkpoint, close to the entrance of Huai Kha Khaeng Forest in Uthai Thani Province. The duty officer at Lansak Police Station, along with the assistant chief of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and the village headman of Tambon Rabam, rushed to the scene to investigate the occurrence.
At the location, responders found Mr. Chalor's body lying face up in front of a drainpipe. Nearby, a toad scoop and a sharp knife were discovered, along with his motorcycle, which had signs of being knocked over. Evidence pointed to an elephant encounter, as footprints and trampling marks were visible on the edge of the drainpipe, and elephant dung was found on the road.
Mrs. Chamroen, the deceased's wife, recounted that the couple had gone out together at 8:00 p.m. on May 17 to search for toads but returned home around 11:00 p.m. due to a lack of success. Her husband ventured out alone again at 2:00 a.m., and she learned of his death from villagers the following morning.
Examinations of Mr. Chalor's body revealed neck wounds, and initial investigations suggest that the flashlight on his hat may have attracted the elephant's attention. It is believed that the elephant charged at him, causing his motorcycle to topple, and then trampled him, leading to his death.