Wild elephant kills woman in Chonburi rubber plantation as husband watches helplessly

CHONBURI — 4 October 2026, A 36-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant while collecting latex with her husband at a rubber plantation in Nong Yai district on Sunday morning. Her husband said he witnessed the attack but was unable to help her.

At about 06:00 on Sunday, Nong Yai Police Station in Chonburi was notified by residents that a person had been killed by a wild elephant at a rubber plantation in Moo 1, Khlong Phlu subdistrict, Nong Yai district.

Police coordinated with Nong Yai rescue workers and went to the scene.

They found the body of Wanna, 36, whose surname was withheld. She had injuries consistent with an elephant attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities secured the area and began their investigation.

Phanmongkhon, 27, the victim’s husband and the person who reported the incident, said he and his wife had gone to the plantation before dawn as usual to collect latex.

At about 06:00, his wife spotted a wild elephant entering the plantation and shouted to him: “An elephant is coming. Run!”

The couple fled in separate directions. Phanmongkhon ran uphill while his wife ran another way.

The elephant did not follow him but instead chased his wife. He later heard her scream before suddenly falling silent.

Phanmongkhon said he turned back and was shocked to see the elephant attacking his wife in front of him. He was unable to approach and help her.

After the elephant eventually left the area and the situation appeared safe, he went to check on his wife and found that she had died. He then immediately contacted police.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the attack and coordinating with agencies responsible for managing wild elephants. Officials are also inspecting the surrounding area to prevent another incident.

Authorities warned people who work or live near forest areas to exercise particular caution. Anyone encountering a wild elephant should keep their distance, avoid approaching, chasing or provoking it, and immediately notify the relevant authorities.