Authorities have mobilized forces to monitor a 'Phu Wua wild elephant' that has left its usual area to forage, traveling over 100 kilometers. The latest traces show it entering the Mekong River in Bueng Kan province, likely crossing into Laos and heading toward Phu Khwai Mountain.
On 21 May 2026 at 08:00, reporters reported that wildlife sanctuary officials in Phu Wua, Bung Khla district, Bueng Kan province, have jointly deployed over nine operational teams to track and drive back a single wild elephant that wandered out of the protected forest area, traveling nearly 100 kilometers.
Since 12 May, the wild elephant was seen descending from Phu Wua mountain to forage alone. Villagers first spotted it on 13 May at 17:30 near Ban Khum Chomphu, Village No. 9, Ban Tong subdistrict, Seka district. The elephant was then found feeding near the graveyard at Ban Than Sai Ngam and Ban Na Saeng Sakorn, Village No. 7, Na Saeng subdistrict, Sriwilai district. Officials monitored its behavior and gradually pushed it along planned routes. On 14 May, it was spotted in a rubber plantation at Ban Non Muang, Chomphu Phon subdistrict, Sriwilai district, Bueng Kan. On 15 May, its tracks were found at Wat Pa Dan Wiwek, under royal patronage, at Ban Saeng Arun, Sri Chomphu subdistrict, So Phisai district, Bueng Kan—also known as Wat Luang Pu Thui Chanda Karo, a monk who has continuously supported the Phu Wua wild elephant. This location is over 70 kilometers from Phu Wua mountain, surprising many villagers who heard the news.
Mr. Wisanu Kumphao, head of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, told reporters that on 13 May they received reports of a wild elephant foraging outside its area. The sanctuary coordinated over nine operational teams, including central monitoring and driving teams, rapid response units from various stations (Tham Fun, Chanae, Tham Phra, Don Siad), local forest protection units, administrative authorities, community leaders, and village security teams (Chor Ror Bor) to track the elephant. They also deployed drones to survey from above to narrow the search area.
Initial observations showed the elephant resting during the day, moving at night, and appearing calm without aggressive behavior. However, in recent days, the elephant has shown no sign of returning to the protected forest. Tracking has been difficult due to continuous rain day and night, forcing officials to pause searches periodically for safety before resuming on foot to explore and follow the elephant's tracks after the rain stopped.
On 19 May, officials were informed by villagers that elephant tracks were found near Ban Nong Takai, Pong Puey subdistrict, Mueang district, Bueng Kan, moving toward Ban Kham Muen, Khai Si subdistrict, Bueng Kan city district. Officials closely monitored and followed the elephant, which was found resting in an abandoned forest area behind the village.
In the evening, the elephant began moving out of the forest toward Pak Khat district. Officials attempted to block its path to guide it back, but the elephant headed toward the Mekong River. At 21:15, it crossed Highway 212 (Bueng Kan–Nong Khai) near Ban Tha Sa-at, Khai Si subdistrict, close to the Bueng Kan Provincial Audit Office. Officials coordinated with highway authorities to turn off streetlights and close a one-kilometer stretch of road with four lanes to allow the elephant to cross safely. Community leaders were also asked to alert villagers to return home promptly for safety.
Soon after, heavy rain forced officials to halt tracking for safety. Yesterday evening, after the rain stopped, they resumed following tracks showing the elephant entering the Mekong River. Meanwhile, people from Laos posted social media clips showing elephant tracks emerging from the Mekong in Ban Nong Pling and Ban Wen Tad, Pakxan district, Bolikhamxay province, on the opposite side from Ban Kham Muen, Khai Si subdistrict, Bueng Kan city district. It is believed the elephant is heading toward Phu Khwai Mountain on the Laotian side. Officials have asked local leaders to coordinate with Laotian authorities to warn villagers to keep away from the wild elephant. Monitoring will continue closely in case it returns to the Thai side.
