A village chief in Tha Chana district lost his life protecting his community’s crops from wild elephants. This tragic event highlights the ongoing conflict between rural communities and wildlife. #WildlifeConflict #ThaChanaDistrict #RuralCommunity #ProtectWildlife #RIPSamnaoKraiket
Tragic Incident in Tha Chana District
In a tragic turn of events, a village headman lost his life following an encounter with wild elephants in the Tha Chana district of Surat Thani province. Samnao Kraiket, the village chief of Moo 11 in tambon Khlong Pha, sustained fatal injuries during an attempt to protect the community’s crops from a group of wild elephants.
The Attack and Injuries
The incident occurred when a herd of 9-11 wild elephants entered an oil palm plantation at Thap Saming Khla within Moo 11 village. The elephants began feeding, causing considerable damage to the trees. In response, Samnao led a team of volunteers from four different villages to drive the elephants away from the plantation and back into the forest.
Unfortunately, during the operation, Samnao was attacked by a female elephant with a calf. The attack left him with a crushed rib cage, a broken hip, and severe head injuries. Despite the efforts of his fellow volunteers, Samnao succumbed to his injuries en route to Tha Chana Hospital.
Efforts to Protect the Community
The team of volunteers who joined Samnao in his effort to protect the community’s crops demonstrated courage and unity. They managed to chase the wild elephants back into the forest, but at the cost of their leader’s life. This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by rural communities as they work to protect their livelihoods from the encroachment of wild animals.
Ongoing Conflict with Wild Elephants
Residents of tambon Khlong Pha and tambon Prasong areas in Tha Chana district report frequent crop raiding by wild elephants. Over the years, many people have been killed or injured in confrontations with these wild animals. The incident involving Samnao Kraiket is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities living near protected forests and the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the tragic incident involving the village chief in Tha Chana district?
In the Tha Chana district of Surat Thani province, a village headman named Samnao Kraiket lost his life following an encounter with wild elephants. He was trying to protect his community’s crops from a group of wild elephants, when he was attacked by a female elephant with a calf. Samnao sustained fatal injuries, including a crushed rib cage, a broken hip, and severe head injuries.
How did the community respond to the wild elephants raiding their crops?
Samnao Kraiket led a team of volunteers from four different villages to drive the elephants away from the plantation and back into the forest. The team demonstrated courage and unity in their efforts to protect the community’s crops. Unfortunately, during the operation, Samnao was attacked and ultimately lost his life to his injuries.
What is the ongoing conflict with wild elephants in Tha Chana district?
Residents of tambon Khlong Pha and tambon Prasong areas in Tha Chana district report frequent crop raiding by wild elephants. Over the years, many people have been killed or injured in confrontations with these wild animals. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities living near protected forests and the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation.
