Authorities Track Injured Wild Elephant 'See-Dor-Diao' in Kanchanaburi

According to a report from Khaosod Online Thailand, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has acknowledged the efforts of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to monitor and treat a 40-year-old wild elephant named 'See-Dor-Diao.' The elephant is suffering from an injury to its left hind leg.

Veterinary teams from the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong) and staff from the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary have been actively tracking the animal. On August 17, 2026, after initial drone searches in the Khao Phu Lom and Nong Hoi areas proved unsuccessful, local residents in Wang Dong, Kanchanaburi, reported a sighting. A subsequent drone inspection confirmed the elephant was foraging in dense brush near two other wild elephants.

For residents and travelers in the Kanchanaburi area, this situation serves as a reminder to exercise caution. Minister Suchart has explicitly advised the public to avoid approaching wild elephants to ensure personal safety and to prevent further stress to the injured animal. As of the latest update, the elephant remains in the wild, and authorities continue to monitor its condition. It remains to be confirmed how the injury occurred and what specific medical interventions will be possible given the elephant's current location outside the sanctuary boundaries.