Pickup Crashes Into Wild Elephant Near Thailand National Park
A pickup truck smashed into a wild elephant near Khao Yai National Park, leaving the driver critically injured, police have confirmed.
Driver Trapped After Shocking Midnight Crash
The collision happened just before dawn on Saturday, January 4, 2026, on a rural highway bordering Khao Yai National Park, close to a hotel in the Heo Pla Kang area of Moo Si subdistrict, Pak Chong district.
The box-style pickup, carrying ice, suffered massive front-end damage with debris strewn across the road. The driver, 63-year-old Suriya Lertrittha, was found trapped inside the wreck with serious head injuries and heavy bleeding.
Emergency crews rushed Suriya to Bangkok Hospital–Khao Yai, where he remains in critical condition.
Elephant Flees Scene Into Forest
Officials from Moo Si Police Station say the wild elephant bolted into nearby forest after the crash. As of Saturday morning, the animal had not been located. The smashed truck was impounded for further police investigation.
Low Visibility Blamed For Crash
Preliminary inquiries reveal the truck was heading from Thanarat Road intersection in Kut Khla village towards Klang Dong when the elephant likely crossed the road returning to the park after foraging overnight.
Police believe poor lighting conditions at dawn prevented the driver from spotting the elephant in time to avoid the smash.
Deadly Elephant Collisions Spot
The road along the park boundary has a grim history of vehicle collisions with wild elephants. Police recall a similar crash a few years back that ended in a fatality.
Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong confirmed rangers are searching the area to check if the elephant was injured but, so far, it remains missing.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially during early mornings and evenings when wildlife is most active.
