BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered immediate assistance after a wildlife sanctuary officer was injured by a wild elephant while on patrol near the Thailand–Malaysia border in Narathiwat province. The incident occurred in a remote area of the Hala–Bala Wildlife Sanctuary near border marker No. 62.
Officials said the officer was attacked while carrying out patrol duties in dense forest terrain that is difficult to access by land. Authorities quickly organized a rescue operation after receiving the report, coordinating with military units to deploy a helicopter for evacuation from the remote location.
Athapol Charoenshunsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the evacuation required a seven-hour aerial mission due to difficult weather conditions and mountainous rainforest terrain. The injured officer was eventually transported to Sungai Kolok Hospital for treatment.
Medical staff reported that the officer suffered multiple fractured ribs but did not sustain injuries to vital internal organs. Authorities said the patient remains in stable condition under close medical supervision, while the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is arranging emergency financial assistance and additional welfare support for the officer and family. (NNT)
