Elephant runs amok, kills 2 villagers in Surat Thani

Two villagers were trampled to death by a domesticated bull elephant in musth that chased residents away from their parked vehicles and overturned a pickup truck outside a house in rural Surat Thani.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening in Nam Hak subdistrict, Khiri Rat Nikhom district.

Witnesses said the elephant chased fearful villagers away from their parked vehicles, scattering them in different directions. It then used its trunk to overturn a black pickup truck,  before stomping 71-year-old Boonnom to death.

A witness said Boonnom was infirm with age and unable to flee.  In her panic she tripped and fell, leaving her vulnerable to the elephant's attack.

The elephant then attacked 55-year-old Somsak, who was working at a nearby oil palm plantation, killing him before fleeing into the forest.

Rangers from Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary, community leaders and local residents launched a search for the animal. It was found in a durian orchard. Wildlife officials used tranquilliser darts to calm him, and then restrained him with ropes and chains.

The elephant was later returned to its owner and will undergo a rehabilitation process under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Police at Khiri Rat Nikhom station were reviewing CCTV footage and questioning local residents as part of their investigation. No charges had yet been filed against the owner. However, officials indicated legal action will follow, regardless of the family relationship between the owner and the victims.

Reports said the owner had been providing support to the bereaved families, who are relatives.

The elephant, a bull aged at least 20 years, was kept in a nearby community. About three months ago it began showing signs of musth, a mating condition with heightened aggression, and was subsequently tethered to a designated post about 500 metres from the scene.

It broke free from its restraints, leading to the lethal rampage.