General
Wild Elephant Incursion Strains Resources in Chanthaburi
A herd of 91 wild elephants has encroached on residential areas near Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, overwhelming local authorities and causing significant agricultural damage.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand on August 10, 2026, a significant herd of 91 wild elephants has moved outside the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chanthaburi province. This incursion has severely impacted residents in the Thap Chang sub-district, where over 81,000 rai of land are currently occupied by local communities.
Cheewaphap Cheewatham, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, stated that the sanctuary, which spans over 460,000 rai, is currently facing the highest rate of elephant encroachment in the country. The situation has placed immense pressure on local rapid response teams, who are reportedly suffering from exhaustion after working for several days without adequate rest. Furthermore, officials noted a critical lack of budget for volunteers and a delay in the distribution of 4 million baht in compensation funds intended for residents whose property has been damaged by the animals.
For residents and travellers in the Chanthaburi area, this situation highlights a heightened risk of human-wildlife conflict. It is advisable to exercise extreme caution when travelling near the sanctuary borders and to follow local guidance regarding elephant sightings. While the Senate committee has dispatched representatives to monitor the situation, it remains to be confirmed when additional resources or the promised compensation funds will be effectively deployed to manage the herd and support the affected community.