NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 29 August 2026, “Plai Khae,” a wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park well known among tourists and local residents, appeared at Tham Kittiwanaram Monastery in Pak Chong district on the morning of .
The elephant was spotted at the monastery in Moo 2, Ban Mai Samakkhi, Mu Si subdistrict, as the site was being prepared for a Kathin robe-offering ceremony scheduled for Sunday, 22 November.
Plai Khae wandered around the monastery grounds, appearing to inspect the area as preparations were underway.
The sighting attracted considerable attention from local residents and tourists passing through the area. Some motorists stopped to take photos of the elephant as a souvenir.
The elephant continued walking near a road where vehicles were regularly entering and leaving the area.
Khao Yai National Park officials and a team of volunteers tasked with pushing wild elephants back into the forest later arrived and drove Plai Khae away from the monastery and nearby roads.
The operation was carried out to protect residents, tourists, motorists and the elephant itself. No one was injured.
Officials urged members of the public and tourists who encounter wild elephants in the Khao Yai area not to approach them, stop vehicles in a way that blocks traffic or attempt to take photos from close range.
Wild elephants can behave unpredictably, officials said, urging people to strictly follow instructions from authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.
