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Wild Elephant Lost in Bueng Kan Crosses Mekong to Laos

Wild Elephant Lost in Bueng Kan Crosses Mekong to Laos

Matichon•Society•2h ago

Reader Briefing

A wild elephant, identified as 'Phu Vua Wild Elephant,' has wandered over 100 kilometers from Bueng Kan, Thailand, and crossed the Mekong River into Laos.

  • •A single wild elephant from Phu Vua Wildlife Sanctuary has been tracked for over 100 km after wandering from its designated habitat.
  • •The elephant was sighted in various locations within Bueng Kan province, Thailand, between May 12 and May 19.
  • •Despite efforts to guide the elephant back, it eventually crossed the Mekong River into Laos, with reports of sightings on the Laotian side on May 21.

Overview

  • •Between May 12 and May 19, a wild elephant was observed in multiple locations within Bueng Kan province, Thailand, due to wandering from its habitat.
  • •Officials launched a multi-unit operation involving over 9 teams to track and guide the wild elephant out of its conservation area.
  • •The elephant was tracked from Phu Vua mountain, through villages and plantations, including a visit to Wat Pa Dan Wiwek in Bueng Kan.
  • •On May 19, the elephant crossed Highway 212, leading officials to temporarily halt traffic and divert it towards the Mekong River.
  • •On May 21, the wild elephant crossed the Mekong River into Laos, with reports from Lao citizens confirming its presence.
  • •The elephant's journey covered over 100 kilometers, indicating it was significantly displaced from its usual territory.
  • •Local communities in Bueng Kan were informed and advised to stay indoors during the elephant's movement and river crossing.
  • •Officials have coordinated with Lao authorities to inform local communities in Laos about the elephant's presence, necessitating caution.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Entities

Place

Bueng Kan(บึงกาฬ)ℹ️
The Thai province where the wild elephant was initially observed and tracked before crossing into Laos.
Laos(ลาว)ℹ️
The country the wild elephant crossed into after traversing the Mekong River from Thailand.
Mekong River(แม่น้ำโขง)ℹ️
The river that the wild elephant crossed from Thailand to Laos.
Wat Pa Dan Wiwek Royal Temple(วัดป่าดานวิเวก ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์)
A temple located in Bueng Kan where the elephant was found, known for its association with the elephant.

Person

Visanu Kumphao(นายวิษณุ กุมภาว์)
Head of Phu Vua Wildlife Sanctuary who provided official statements on the elephant's tracking and movements.

Organization

Phu Vua Wildlife Sanctuary(เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าภูวัว)
The wildlife sanctuary from which the elephant initially wandered, and whose officials were involved in the tracking operation.