RAYONG — 10 August 2026, A food vendor was injured after the van she was driving crashed into a large wild elephant crossing a road in Rayong province. The badly damaged van was carrying goods for her morning food business.
The accident occurred at about 03:15 on Route 344 (Ban Bueng–Klaeng), near the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation at kilometre marker 71+100, on the side heading towards Klaeng district.
Rescue workers from the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, who were on duty at the time, went to the scene and found the passenger van with its front end severely damaged. The windscreen was shattered, while the roof and bonnet had collapsed from the impact with the large elephant.
The injured driver, a food vendor, suffered cuts to her head and face. She had been travelling with her son when the crash occurred. Rescue workers provided first aid before taking her to a private hospital in Chon Buri province for further medical examination and treatment.
Thanadon Khamdee, the injured woman’s son, recounted the incident, saying his mother had been driving the van loaded with goods to prepare food for sale in the morning.
As they were travelling normally along the road, they noticed a large object crossing in front of them. Because it was late at night and the area was completely dark, they initially thought it was the shadow of a large tree blocking the road.
By the time they realised it was an elephant, they were too close to stop. The van crashed heavily into the elephant. They heard the animal cry out after the impact and realised what had happened.
The wild elephant was also injured in the collision. It reportedly walked away while crying out before heading into a canal and disappearing into the forest beside the road, in the direction of a reservoir.
Wild elephant tracking teams and relevant agencies have deployed personnel to search the area for the animal. They are attempting to locate it, assess its injuries and arrange treatment if necessary.
Officials have warned motorists using Route 344, particularly at night and in areas where wild elephants frequently cross the road, to exercise extra caution and reduce their speed.
Motorists who encounter wild elephants are advised not to sound their horns or rev their engines to drive the animals away. They should instead stop at a safe distance to prevent further accidents, as elephants regularly cross the road in the area.