Two wild elephants have died in separate incidents in western and eastern Thailand, underlining escalating conflict between humans and wildlife near protected forests.
A bull elephant aged 25-30 was electrocuted near Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary after pulling down power lines near Ban Tha Manao in Muang district of Kanchanaburi. Sanctuary officials confirmed on Tuesday that the carcass was found late on Sunday near the forest edge.
Veterinarians and conservation officers conducted a postmortem examination on Monday. The elephant's tusks, each about 1 metre long, were removed for safekeeping while tissue samples were collected to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators believe the elephant had been separated from its herd by stronger rivals and wandered outside protected forest areas in search of food. Officials found evidence that the animal had pushed over electricity poles before pulling live wires into its mouth, causing a fatal electric shock. The carcass was later buried.
In eastern Thailand, another male elephant, known locally as Plai Kor Kaew, was found dead near a pond behind a fruit orchard in Khlong Phlu district of Khao Khitchakut National Park in Chanthaburi.
Park chief Chawin Pinkaew said on Tuesday that park officials, police investigators and veterinary teams inspected the carcass on Monday after villagers reported the discovery. Officials found at least six wounds resembling gunshot injuries to the elephant's ears, chest, abdomen and front leg.
The elephant, aged about 30 and known for its solitary behaviour, had long been feared by villagers. Wildlife officials warned the two deaths reflected mounting pressure as shrinking food sources force elephants into farming communities, fuelling increasingly violent encounters.
