NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Park officials at Khao Yai National Park are urgently searching for an elephant injured after being struck by a pickup truck early yesterday morning. The incident occurred on a road in Moo See sub-district, near a water research station in Village 10.

Wild elephant destroys car in Thailand (Video)

According to Yossawat Thiensawat, chief of the Conservation Area 1 Office in Prachin Buri, the collision took place around 5:50 a.m. when the elephant was crossing the road. The pickup truck, driven by a 63-year-old man identified only as Suriya, sustained heavy damage in the crash. Suriya was seriously injured and was transported to Bangkok Hospital in Pak Chong district for treatment.

Park rangers from Khao Yai National Park, in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, have been looking for an injured elephant, after it was hit by a pickup truck on a road in Moo See sub-district before dawn yesterday.https://t.co/WxkxabUcNG #ThaiPBSWorld… pic.twitter.com/7gzTJl5XZ8

— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) January 4, 2026

Following the impact, the elephant retreated into nearby bushes, apparently limping. Despite an immediate search launched by park rangers, the animal had not been located as of the latest report. A team of veterinarians is on standby, ready to sedate and treat the elephant once it is found.

Elephant in Khao Yai National Park overturns tourist car

Authorities have reiterated warnings to motorists using routes near the national park, advising drivers to reduce speed to no more than 60 kilometers per hour and to remain alert for wildlife crossings, especially during early morning and late evening hours. The search for the injured elephant continues.

-Thailand News (TN)