PETCHABURI — 27 June 2026, Two national park rangers were injured after an injured wild elephant charged at a rescue team attempting to provide emergency treatment in Kui Buri National Park, officials said.
Nitat Noonsong, director of Protected Area Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), said park officials received an urgent report on 26 June that a male wild elephant with small tusks had suffered a serious foot injury.
The elephant’s right rear foot had partially detached, leaving it unable to bear weight on the leg. A veterinary team was dispatched with antibiotics to provide urgent treatment.
During the rescue operation, the distressed elephant suddenly charged at the team.
The impact left Pichet Inruan, head of the Khlong Bueng ranger station, with severe bruising to his right chest, hip and back.
Another ranger, Awut Jitsawa, injured his right knee while jumping clear of the charging elephant. Both men were evacuated from the forest and taken to hospital overnight.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa ordered officials to ensure the injured rangers receive full medical care.
He said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by frontline conservation officers while protecting wildlife, adding that staff safety is as important as wildlife rescue efforts.
Attapol also ordered changes to the elephant’s treatment plan, including greater use of remote technology to minimise risks to both the animal and rescue personnel.
Kui Buri National Park officials and veterinarians are continuing to monitor the elephant from a safe distance. Rather than approaching the animal directly, the team will use safer methods, including remote medication and sedation where appropriate, to treat its injured foot and help it recover before returning it safely to the wild.