In Nakhon Ratchasima, a new car crashed into a wild gaur in Khao Yai, severely damaging the vehicle. Nearby villagers warn tourists to be cautious when driving at night due to increased wildlife foraging outside protected areas at this time.
On 2 Jan 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima, reporters reported that on the previous night (1 Jan 2026), a car collided with a wild gaur in Khao Yai. Police from Mu Si Station, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, stated they were notified by Mr. Natthaphat Kosonwet, 30, who was driving a gray Toyota Corolla Cross with temporary license plate K-5819 Bangkok. He was traveling from rural highway 3052 through a shortcut beside Wat Moosi to reach Thanarat Road near Wat Moosi, Mu Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District.
About 500 meters into the alley, which was unlit, a wild gaur suddenly dashed out from the left side, very close to the car, causing a severe collision that damaged the vehicle. The driver suffered minor injuries. The accident occurred about 1 km outside Khao Yai National Park. It is believed the gaur was injured and fled into the forest.
Mr. Taweechat Saiyudhirun, a local resident near the scene who assisted, said the gaur weighed about 2 tons. Several gaurs live nearby in the dense mountain forest. They may have been crossing to drink water and were startled by the car’s lights, causing them to jump across the road and be hit by the car. The gaur is likely injured.
"These animals have lived here for a long time. We remind tourists visiting Mu Si, Pong Talong, and Wang Kratha subdistricts in Pak Chong to be careful when driving at night because many wild animals are currently foraging outside protected areas," he said.
Reports state that along roads in Mu Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, and rural highway 3052 toward Wang Nam Khiao District, there are warning signs alerting tourists and drivers to watch for elephants, bears, and gaurs on both sides of the road.