Farmers guard crops from wild elephants near Thap Lan Park
Farmers near Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima are facing a challenging new year as they work tirelessly to protect their crops from wild elephants. As the rest of the nation celebrates, around 40 farmers in tambon Lampiek, Khon Buri district, are taking turns to guard their fields against the rampaging elephants.
A recent incident saw elephants damaging 40 jackfruit trees belonging to Boonkong Mile, alongside cassava crops in Ban Nong Khae Sai. Chaiyan Uansa-art, the local leader of tambon Lampiek, highlighted the need for continuous patrolling near the park’s borders.
A drone operated by the park spotted a herd of 80 to 100 elephants near the park’s boundary on December 26 last year, believed to be the same group responsible for the recent crop damage. Chaiyan expressed the farmers’ frustration, noting the impending harvest season and the years of effort invested in cultivating their land.
“We have worked for years on our fields, but now we must stand guard while others celebrate,” he said.
Tambon Lampiek and its neighbouring areas are known for their fruit cultivation, particularly jackfruit, durian, and cassava. Despite efforts from local farmers, volunteers, and park rangers to keep the elephants confined within the park, the animals are drawn to the accessible food sources in nearby villages like Ban Nong Khae Sai, reported Bangkok Post.
Thap Lan park chief Prawatsart Chanthep acknowledged the ongoing struggle against the elephants’ raids, which have persisted as the animals venture out in search of food. “The villagers and volunteers have shown commendable resilience and understanding,” he remarked.
In related news, in the heart of Prachin Buri, Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict located in the Kabin Buri district, a herd of over 100 wild elephants emerged from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, wreaking havoc on local farming land.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE) swiftly took action, initiating an operation to usher the elephants back into their natural habitat.
