BANGKOK – Park officials in southern Thailand have ordered the temporary closure of a popular jungle trail after a herd of wild elephants attacked a group of tourists hiking. The incident highlights growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the country’s protected forests.
The quiet of the southern Thai jungle turned into a scene of panic on a Sunday morning. At around 9:30 AM, a group of four tourists was hiking along the scenic nature trail toward the famous Krung Ching Waterfall.
The waterfall is located within the lush borders of Khao Luang National Park, a protected area in Nakhon Si Thammarat province known for its steep mountains and dense rainforests.
The hikers first noticed something was wrong when they heard the unmistakable sound of breaking tree branches and loud elephant trumpeting nearby. Realizing they were too close to wild animals, the group quickly decided to turn back and retreat down the path.
However, their retreat was cut short. A wild elephant suddenly burst from the thick roadside bushes, charging directly at the hikers. The surprise encounter forced the tourists to scatter in fear.
Two members of the group managed to run quickly enough to take cover behind a large, thick tree trunk, hiding from the animal’s line of sight. Unfortunately, the remaining two female tourists could not get away in time. They were quickly surrounded and attacked by a total of three wild elephants that had emerged from the jungle.
During the struggle, one of the elephants used its powerful trunk to grab one of the women and violently throw her against a tree.
Park Rangers Launch a Dramatic Rescue
The terrifying ordeal lasted for nearly an hour. Relief finally arrived around 10:20 AM when a specialized team of park rangers patrolling nearby heard the commotion. The rangers had already been active in the area, tracking elephant movements to keep visitors safe.
Acting quickly, the rescue team used loud noises and visual distractions to draw the angry herd away from the victims. Once the elephants retreated into the deeper brush, the rangers were able to safely reach the two injured women.
The team escorted all four shaken hikers out of the jungle trail. The two injured victims were immediately driven to Nop Phitam Hospital for emergency medical evaluation. One of the women, identified by authorities as “Patcharaporn,” suffered severe injuries to her back and legs. Due to the seriousness of her condition, doctors later transferred her to the larger Tha Sala District Hospital for advanced treatment.
Following the close call, Khao Luang National Park chief Haruchai Ritthichuai announced an immediate temporary shutdown of the Krung Ching Waterfall and its connecting trekking route.
Park management plans to implement several new safety measures before reopening the area to the public:
- Installing clearer, larger warning signs along all major paths to alert hikers about wildlife zones.
- Adding strict guidelines on signs explaining exactly how to react during a wild animal encounter.
- Deploying extra ranger patrol units to track the herd and gently push the elephants further back into the deep, unvisited sections of the jungle.
A Rising Trend of Elephant Encounters in Thailand
This latest incident is part of a broader, well-documented rise in human-elephant conflicts across Thailand’s national parks. According to reports from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, more than 220 people have been killed by wild elephants since 2012.
The frequency of these dangerous encounters has grown alongside a rising wild elephant population, which expanded from just over 330 animals a decade ago to nearly 800 in recent years. This population boom, combined with seasonal droughts that force herds out of the deep forests to search for food and water, brings the massive mammals into frequent contact with tourist trails.
Similar tragedies have forced park closures across Thailand over the last few years. In early 2026, a 65-year-old tourist was tragically trampled to death during a morning walk at Khao Yai National Park. Additionally, in late 2024, the famous Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province had to close its doors indefinitely after a wild elephant wandered onto a waterfall trail and fatally attacked a 49-year-old female hiker.
How to Stay Safe: Expert Wildlife Survival Tips
When exploring Thailand’s beautiful tropical rainforests, understanding how to share the space with native wildlife can save your life. National park authorities urge all hikers to memorize standard safety protocols before stepping onto a jungle trail.
1. Watch and Listen for Warning Signs
Elephants rarely attack without warning. Keep your ears open for the sound of snapping branches, deep rumbles, or sudden trumpeting. If you see fresh elephant dung or large footprints on the path, stay highly alert.
2. Never Intrude or Use Flash Photography
If you spot an elephant from a distance, do not approach it for a photo or try to get closer. Never use camera flashes, as bright lights can easily startle a wild animal and trigger an aggressive charge.
3. Keep a Safe Distance and Stay Quiet
Always maintain a distance of at least 30 to 50 meters from a wild elephant. Speak in low, calm whispers. Loud shouting or sudden screaming can make the animal view you as a direct threat.
4. Back Away Slowly
If an elephant notices you but has not charged, do not turn around and run immediately, as this can trigger their chase instinct. Instead, face the animal and back away slowly and calmly until you are safely out of its sight.
5. Use Large Obstacles for Cover
If an elephant charges, run in a zigzag pattern or seek immediate cover behind massive obstacles. As seen in the Khao Luang incident, hiding behind a large tree or a boulder can effectively break the animal’s line of sight and protect you from harm.
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Wild Elephant Savagely Attacks and Kills a Man Picking Wild Mushrooms
Wild Elephant Stomps Camper to Death in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park.
