On May 25, 2015, orchard owners in Chanthaburi Province reported extensive damage after wild elephants entered their farmland, destroying nearly 30 durian trees and consuming close to four tons of fruit that was just days from harvest. The incident occurred in Village No. 6, Ban Khlong Takhian, Tambon Phluang, Amphoe Khao Khitchakut, resulting in estimated damages exceeding 400,000 baht. The affected owners are calling for urgent government intervention and have requested that the issue be addressed as part of a broader national agenda on human-wildlife conflict.
According to the owners, 33-year-old Ms. Phiranuch Kitpiboon and Mr. Anuwat Atthawin, who both work as teachers in Khlung District, this is the first time in decades that wild elephants have targeted their orchard. The farm, developed by the family’s earlier generation, includes durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longkong trees. The elephant raids began in early May and have continued over several consecutive nights. The latest incursion, on the night of May 24, saw four additional durian trees knocked down.
The damage has left the couple not only financially impacted but also increasingly concerned for their safety and that of nearby residents. The elephants have approached within 100 meters of their home, prompting fears of potential harm to people.
During an on-site inspection, reporters observed over 20 uprooted durian trees aged between 12 and 20 years. The surrounding area bore visible signs of elephant activity, including broken branches, discarded durian peels, deep footprints, dung, and trampled vegetation. Other fruit trees, such as longkong and banana, were also damaged.
Despite appeals to local authorities, including the village headman and park officials, the efforts to deter the elephants have so far been unsuccessful. The owners emphasized the urgency of establishing long-term, practical measures to mitigate such incidents and to ensure safe coexistence between humans and wild elephants.
They urged the government and relevant agencies to treat the issue as a national priority, highlighting the broader implications for agricultural communities near elephant habitats.
