NAKHON NAYOK — 27 June 2026, A pregnant albino buffalo that escaped from a holding pen and wandered more than 30 kilometres in Nakhon Nayok has been spared from slaughter after a local temple and villagers raised money to buy its freedom.
Village officials and residents were alerted at around 23:00 on 26 June 2026 after the buffalo was spotted roaming in Muang district.
Authorities said the animal had escaped from a pen in Sai Mun subdistrict and travelled through several areas before reaching the Sam Sao Intersection in downtown Nakhon Nayok, covering a distance of more than 30 kilometres.
Officials, village leaders and residents worked together to safely corner and restrain the buffalo using ropes before moving it to Wat Tha Chang in Tha Chang subdistrict.
After local officials appealed for information, the buffalo’s owner came forward to claim the animal.
However, Phra Athikan Boonsong Chotipanyo, abbot of Wat Tha Chang, said he was moved by the buffalo’s long escape and wanted to save its life by purchasing it from the owner.
The temple agreed to buy the buffalo for 14,000 baht, but initially lacked sufficient funds.
A local news page shared the story online, prompting residents to donate money on 27 June 2026. The donations enabled the temple to complete the purchase.
Local officials and villagers are now helping build a pen at the temple, where the pregnant buffalo will be cared for permanently.
