More than 200 officials mobilized to relocate "Plai Sidao Hoopap," a wild elephant from Phu Luang, for care and behavioral adjustment. Fifteen minutes into the journey, the elephant experienced seizures and died. The Office of Protected Areas Administration Region 8 plans to hold a briefing on the cause and has prohibited related personnel from entering the national park area.
On 3 February 2026, officials from the Office of Protected Areas Administration Region 8 (Khon Kaen), in coordination with over 200 personnel from related agencies and experts from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, conducted an operation to relocate "Plai Sidao Hoopap," a male wild elephant from Khon Kaen province. The elephant had caused disturbances and previously injured villagers, resulting in two deaths in 2025.
This operation followed a ruling by the Khon Kaen Administrative Court on 30 September 2025, ordering the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to relocate the wild elephant to ensure the safety of residents in Mueang Kao Phatthana Subdistrict, Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen province.
Around 7:00 p.m., Plai Sidao Hoopap was found foraging near Ban Khok Muang, Mueang Kao Phatthana Subdistrict, Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen. Officials tranquilized the elephant, then guided it toward a sugarcane field at the village's edge. A backhoe was used to prepare the area to facilitate a 10-wheel truck parking, and ropes were employed to help load the elephant onto the truck for transfer to the Phu Luang wild elephant food restoration project under the Royal Initiative in Phu Luang District, Loei Province.
The relocation plan aimed to care for the elephant, adjust its behavior to prevent aggressive tendencies, and discourage it from returning to forage in Khon Kaen. A tracking device was also installed on the elephant.
Along the route, many local residents stayed awake to watch the relocation of "Plai Sidao Hoopap," creating an atmosphere of excitement and close attention to the event.
Mrs. Wongduan, a resident of Ban Khok Muang, said that during the time wild elephants foraged in the area, villagers had to adapt to coexist with them. The elephants often fed in fields behind the village, so she avoided sleeping in her hut. Although she understood the safety reasons, she felt saddened and wished to see the wild elephants return to forage as before.
Mr. Nattawat Nuisriram, Director of the Office of Protected Areas Administration Region 8 (Khon Kaen) and head of the incident command center, stated that Plai Sidao Hoopap was a male wild elephant, approximately 15–20 years old. It had migrated from the Phu Kho–Phu Kratae Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei Province to live and forage in agricultural areas, including Phu Wiang National Park, since 2023 until now.
After capture, plans were made to relocate the elephant for care and behavioral adjustment at the Phu Luang wild elephant food restoration project. A team of veterinarians and wildlife caretakers from the Wildlife Conservation Division, Office of Protected Areas Administration Region 8, Wildlife Assistance Center 4 (Khon Kaen), and the Wildlife Conservation Office closely monitored the elephant's health. Strict security measures, including electric fences, CCTV cameras, and 24-hour surveillance personnel, were employed.
However, an unexpected incident occurred during the relocation. About 15 minutes into the truck journey, Plai Sidao Hoopap began to have seizures. Officials rushed the elephant to emergency treatment at Phu Wiang National Park headquarters. Veterinarians attempted resuscitation to restore the elephant’s heartbeat but were unsuccessful. Preliminary assessments suggest the death was caused by heart failure.
The Office of Protected Areas Administration Region 8 (Khon Kaen) plans to officially announce the cause of the wild elephant's death. They have also prohibited unauthorized persons from entering Phu Wiang National Park.
