Last Updated on December 11, 2021 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – A tragic event unfolded on Thursday at a rubber plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat. A 25-year-old bull elephant named Phlai Jumbo suddenly attacked and killed his handler. The incident happened during a normal day of hauling heavy rubber tree logs.
The handler, 43-year-old Manit Thanabat, had brought the elephant from a neighboring province for work. Sadly, the animal became highly agitated and quickly turned on the mahout. The sudden attack left the local community in shock as authorities rushed to secure the area.
Key Takeaways:
- A 25-year-old bull elephant fatally attacked its handler at a rubber plantation on Thursday.
- The incident took place in Phipun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, during logging work.
- Livestock officials safely captured the escaped elephant using tranquilliser darts late Thursday night.
The Fatal Attack in Phipun District
Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene in tambon Katun on Thursday afternoon. Pol Lt Col Suriyan Wimonmuang, deputy chief of Phipun district police, reported the grim details. He stated that Manit’s body was heavily trampled and torn beyond recognition. This heartbreaking outcome highlights the severe dangers of working closely with large animals.
Earlier that day, Manit transported Phlai Jumbo in a six-wheel truck. They traveled from Wiang Sa district in Surat Thani to start their work in Phipun district. Everything seemed normal until the elephant suddenly lost its temper. For unknown reasons, the massive animal turned violent while moving the rubber logs.
The Search and Safe Capture
After the fatal attack, Phlai Jumbo fled the plantation and ran off into the surrounding area. Local authorities quickly launched a search to find the dangerous animal before anyone else was hurt. They warned residents to stay indoors and remain on high alert. You can read more about similar wildlife incidents in local news reports.
Around 9 PM on Thursday night, skilled livestock officials finally tracked down the roaming elephant. They used tranquilliser darts to safely sedate the animal without causing it further harm. It took a coordinated team effort to properly secure the large bull under the dark night sky.
Aftermath and Animal Relocation
Once the elephant was fully sedated, workers loaded Phlai Jumbo onto a large transport truck. Officials decided to return the animal to a safe, controlled area in his home district. He was taken back to Wiang Sa district in Surat Thani later that night.
This tragic event serves as a strong reminder of the unpredictable nature of captive elephants. Even highly experienced mahouts face serious risks when managing these powerful creatures. Working with animals weighing several tons always requires strict safety rules.
The local community is now mourning the sudden loss of a hardworking man. Meanwhile, officials are looking into what might have caused the elephant to panic. They hope to learn from this tragedy and improve safety for all logging crews.
