A male Phu Wua wild elephant was found dead mysteriously in a rubber plantation in Bueng Kan Province. The Department of National Parks ordered an urgent autopsy to determine the cause of death after no signs of wounds were found, emphasizing strict compliance with procedures.
Villagers in Ban Phu Ngern, Village No. 10, Ban Tong Subdistrict, Seka District, Bueng Kan Province, found a male Phu Wua wild elephant collapsed inside a rubber plantation adjacent to a local stream yesterday (18 Mar). Subsequently, Mr. Itthipol Chantanun, the district chief of Seka, assigned Mr. Panuwatch Chaibandit, the district livestock officer, and Mr. Wisanu Kumpao, head of Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, along with staff from the Tham Phra, Don Siad, and Chan Nae forest protection units, to investigate the site. They have not yet determined the cause of death. Meanwhile, other Phu Wua wild elephants were heard nearby, so a rapid response team was deployed todrivethe elephants back into the Phu Wua forest area.
The Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary will report to higher authorities and coordinate with veterinary teams from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to perform a necropsy on the carcass and collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis to determine the true cause of death.
Most recently, on 19 Mar 2026, Mr. Wisanu Kumpao, head of Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, provided an update on the discovery of the wild elephant carcass outside the protected area. Initial examination revealed the elephant is male, approximately 10-15 years old, lying on its side at the base of a rubber tree, about 700 meters from the sanctuary boundary.
External examination showed no signs of wounds or abuse. Officials reported the findings through the chain of command and coordinated with veterinarians from Protected Area Regional Office 10 (Udon Thani) to conduct a detailed necropsy.
Officials are preparing to transport the carcass back to Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary so veterinarians can determine the exact cause of death before proceeding according to regulations. If the death is unnatural, strict legal action will be taken before scientifically appropriate burial of the carcass.
Information provided by the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.