Minister Orders Probe Into Wild Elephant Death in Loei
A wild bull elephant was found dead in a rice field outside Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei province on 15 October 2025. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Sukchai Chomgrin has ordered a thorough investigation, including a veterinary autopsy, to determine if the animal was killed by illegal electric fencing. Authorities warn that anyone found responsible will face strict legal action.
On 15 October 2025, the wildlife‑conflict resolution team was alerted by village headman Sombit Tonkham that a fully grown male elephant lay dead in a farmer’s rice paddock in Wang Saphung district. Initial inspections revealed electric fencing surrounding the field, which may have been linked to the elephant’s death, but officials stressed that a definitive cause awaits autopsy and forensic results. The Department of National Parks has coordinated with Wang Saphung police, local leaders and veterinarians to conduct a detailed necropsy and collect evidence for possible prosecution. Director‑General Yongyut Nakawirot warned that using hazardous electricity near conserved wildlife can constitute a criminal offense, especially if it kills protected or reserved species, and pledged to seek measures to reduce human‑elephant conflict while ensuring public safety and conservation efforts.
