Man crashes car into elephant at Khao Yai National Park

A Thai man risks a charge of violating the National Park Act after he crashed his sedan into an elephant at Khao Yai National Park in the central province of Nakhon Nayok. The driver was hurt in the collision and sent to Pak Chong Nana Hospital to have his injuries looked at. Officers reported that they are still looking for the injured elephant to provide treatment.

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The 49 year old man, Kawin Kaewkong, drove his red sedan into the elephant at about 7pm yesterday on Road No. 3077 between the national park’s entrance in Nakhon Nayok and the national park office in Prachin Buri.

Kawin hit the elephant so hard that it fell onto his sedan. The car is a write-off as a result while the driver suffered a deep wound on the right arm and was sent to Pak Chong Nana Hospital.

Kawin told park rangers that the elephant fled into the deep forest after it was hit.

The Head of Khao Yai National Park, Chaiya Huayhongthong, reported today that national park rangers and officers have been looking for the injured elephant since 8am today without any luck.

Chaiya believes the injured animal is a teenage elephant that usually appears with its herd near the incident spot. Chaiya said the mission to find the injured animal would be dangerous because many elephants, bulls, and other animals live in the area and could harm officers.

Chaiya revealed the accident occurred because Kawin was driving too fast when it was dark.

Chaiya urged motorists to be more careful and reduce their speed when travelling on roads in the national park area. Chaiya also suggested that, if possible, drivers should avoid travelling in the national park in the evening.

Kawin has not been charged yet but faces a penalty for violating the National Park Act. If found guilty he faces an imprisonment term not exceeding one month or a fine not exceeding 1,000 baht or both.