Autopsy Results Released for "Mua" Wild Elephant in Chanthaburi: Electrocution Confirmed, Shotgun Pellets Also Found Embedded in Skin. Officials Accelerate Investigation.

May 26, 2026 — The latest development in the mysterious death case of "Phlai Kor Gaew" or "Mua," a 30-year-old male wild elephant found dead along a fruit plantation pond in Khlong Phlu subdistrict, Khao Khichakut district, Chanthaburi province. Recently, a team of veterinarians from the Sriracha Forensic Unit (Region 2) released forensic autopsy results following a thorough examination of the carcass.

Burn marks and tissue death were discovered on the forehead and trunk, caused by a high-voltage electrical short circuit that occurred approximately 3-4 days before discovery. It is believed the elephant may have accidentally made contact with electrical wires or fence lines that local residents had installed in the area.

Beyond the electrocution as the primary cause of death, the veterinary team also detected three shotgun pellets embedded in the elephant's skin across its body. Although these injuries were not the direct cause of death, they serve as critical evidence pointing to the escalating brutality of human-elephant conflict in the region's farming areas.

Chawinart Pinkaew, head of Khao Khichakut National Park, revealed that after recovering the elephant carcass and removing both tusks for preservation according to forestry department regulations, he ordered staff to bury the remains following scientific procedures to prevent disease spread. Authorities are coordinating with police and local administration to conduct another comprehensive investigation at the scene to locate evidence and prosecute those responsible for installing the electrical fence and shooting the elephant.

This incident highlights the escalating human-elephant conflict crisis in Chanthaburi, which has evolved beyond mere displacement into a battleground where weapons and electrified fences determine the fate of wildlife. As fruit farmers face devastating crop damage from wild elephants, if the government fails to implement sustainable structural solutions to this problem, more tragic deaths of wildlife at human hands may continue indefinitely.

On May 26, Deputy Commander Burapat Buribukkdi of the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police (Security Division), along with Deputy Commander Sanit Chaisathit and Police Major Weeraphun Naksuk of the Decha Udom Police Station, announced the arrest of Surachet, 46, and Supansa, 39, a married couple accused of operating an international arms trafficking network. Police seized five AK47 rifles, five ammunition magazines, and 7,118 rounds of various ammunition including 6,450 rounds of 7.62mm bullets, 168 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, and 500 M60 machine gun rounds during their arrest in Decha Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Surachet confessed that all weapons belonged to Withaya, who resides in a neighboring country and was a former cellmate at Rayong Prison. After his release in December of the previous year, Withaya hired Surachet for 15,000-20,000 baht per trip to collect weapons from an unidentified man at a gas station in Prasat District, Surin Province, then forward them to destinations in Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces using private transport companies. This was the third smuggling operation before their arrest.

Military sources in the area revealed that this weapons shipment was illegally imported from Cambodia with the intent to sell to ethnic minority groups in northern Thailand or to weapons collector enthusiasts.

On May 26, Arthapol Charoenchantsaña, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, ordered special operations teams and wildlife conservation officials to investigate multiple wild elephant deaths reported across three provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. Today, Chaiyya Huayhoengthong, director of Khao Yai National Park, along with Sukhee Boonsrang, director of the wildlife conservation office, and department officials descended on the Khao Khaew forest area in Sarika Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, to examine the elephant carcass following orders from the parks director.

The elephant remains were discovered by patrol unit 13 officers during a routine patrol. Only skeletal remains were found, with the elephant estimated to have died 1-3 months ago. Upon inspection, both tusks were found missing from the skull, prompting authorities to notify the National Parks Department. Officials subsequently arrived with police from Mueang Nakhon Nayok Police Station to investigate and collect evidence.

Ballistic testing was performed on the carcass but revealed no suspicious objects. According to veterinary assessment, the elephant may have died from illness. Veterinarians noted cracks and deterioration at the tusk bases, suggesting the elephant may have fought with other elephants, sustained wounds, developed infections, and subsequently died from complications.

The carcass location is within Khao Yai National Park, accessible via Khlong Maduea Road in Sarika Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, followed by approximately 2 kilometers on foot through forest and streams. After detailed examination, officials applied lime powder to the skeleton to disinfect and kill bacteria and fungi before cremating it according to departmental protocols.

Meanwhile, National Parks Department officials have issued a public appeal to anyone who removed the tusks, urging them to contact and return them. Those unwilling to return them in person are invited to simply leave the tusks at a designated location and provide coordinates for retrieval.

May 26 – This year has forced business owners to rapidly adapt for survival amid a struggling economy, particularly hitting the food service industry hard, with many closing shop while others are determined to push through in hopes things will improve. Recently, the Facebook page for Thang Ngoen-Mookata in Rangsit Klong Neung posted photos from the night of May 25, with a caption stating: "This is real, not content. Today was the toughest day since we opened. If it stays this quiet, we might as well close and take our staff on a 10-20 day vacation instead (bitter laugh)." The owner later added: "Honestly, I thought only I was stressed when we had zero customers last night. But when I looked at the camera footage, my staff were just as worried and anxious. I saw them standing outside, looking left and right down the street. (Usually when we're busy, they tell me they love these crazy rushes.) But that's business – there are good days and slow days. We've just never experienced this before. My staff and I are confused, but I believe things will get better. I'm working on solutions." The post received an outpouring of encouragement from supporters wishing the restaurant through this tough period, while other restaurant owners commented that their businesses have been equally quiet.

On May 26, 2569, the Royal Gazette published a Prime Minister's Office announcement regarding special royal promotion of police officers to the rank of Second Lieutenant. By royal decree, 79 senior constables of exemplary conduct and outstanding dedication who are retiring at the end of fiscal year 2569 have been specially promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. The recipients include: 1. Kittinard Thipwan promoted to Second Lieutenant, 2. Kriangsai Petchkul promoted to Second Lieutenant, 3. Charun Sinthurak promoted to Second Lieutenant, 4. Chamnard Phothyen promoted to Second Lieutenant, 5. Chavalit Sasakun promoted to Second Lieutenant, 6. Chamaaj Thaweeluea promoted to Second Lieutenant, 7. Choosakul Chunkhlao promoted to Second Lieutenant, 8. Nattanop Thaharithai promoted to Second Lieutenant, 9. Trirat Rosmali promoted to Second Lieutenant, 10. Thawil Thumleon promoted to Second Lieutenant, 11. Thaworn Srirothi promoted to Second Lieutenant, 12. Thiang Posri promoted to Second Lieutenant, 13. Thienchai Sisin promoted to Second Lieutenant, 14. Thaikanit Mabuntharm promoted to Second Lieutenant, 15. Thawatchai Bannalai promoted to Second Lieutenant, 16. Thirachai Samkhiam promoted to Second Lieutenant, 17. Nong Suvarnamani promoted to Second Lieutenant, 18. Nophadol Wanphrueksa promoted to Second Lieutenant, 19. Nikom Laksana promoted to Second Lieutenant, 20. Nirandon Chaikantha promoted to Second Lieutenant, 21. Nirandon Upadis promoted to Second Lieutenant, 22. Boonchothi Syamphan promoted to Second Lieutenant, 23. Boonsri Boonyaw promoted to Second Lieutenant, 24. Pranath Chanthaisiay promoted to Second Lieutenant, 25. Pradiphat Tangphianyavorkij promoted to Second Lieutenant, 26. Pradist Intchanthon promoted to Second Lieutenant, 27. Prathip Natthapomsagul promoted to Second Lieutenant, 28. Prayoon Damkaew promoted to Second Lieutenant, 29. Phongthep Sarchanthon promoted to Second Lieutenant, 30. Phonphon Butrayahaeng promoted to Second Lieutenant, 31. Phitthak Tamnong promoted to Second Lieutenant, 32. Phisit Thammoloka promoted to Second Lieutenant, 33. Phumrinton Bupphachart promoted to Second Lieutenant, 34. Phusit Phugprathum promoted to Second Lieutenant, 35. Montri Wongmani promoted to Second Lieutenant, 36. Mana Samarai promoted to Second Lieutenant, 37. Yutthanond Prommadetcha promoted to Second Lieutenant, 38. Yutthana Tawongsa promoted to Second Lieutenant, 39. Wanchai Panthaikhay promoted to Second Lieutenant, 40. Wichai Wuttisarn promoted to Second Lieutenant, 41. Wichian Khruangsima promoted to Second Lieutenant, 42. Wichian Poolsawat promoted to Second Lieutenant, 43. Witthaya Thirakul promoted to Second Lieutenant, 44. Withan Loitchangklon promoted to Second Lieutenant, 45. Wirach Nantachai promoted to Second Lieutenant, 46. Wirach Hasbunylaw promoted to Second Lieutenant, 47. Wiroj Wangta promoted to Second Lieutenant, 48. Wiangchai Chanthawong promoted to Second Lieutenant, 49. Somchai Hanchaiay promoted to Second Lieutenant, 50. Sawat Saichang promoted to Second Lieutenant, 51. Sammano Prathumwan promoted to Second Lieutenant, 52. Singkarn Pimsarn promoted to Second Lieutenant, 53. Sittipong Seeluang promoted to Second Lieutenant, 54. Sinsamutr Chainam promoted to Second Lieutenant, 55. Sunthorn Khampong promoted to Second Lieutenant.