“66-Year-Old Woman Killed by Wild Elephant in Rubber Plantation: Pattaya News”

In a tragic incident in Nongyai district, Chonburi province, Thailand, a 66-year-old woman lost her life to a wild elephant attack on December 23. Loi Kasanthia was tapping rubber trees in a plantation with her husband, Lab, when they encountered the elephant around 10 a.m. In a desperate attempt to escape, they ran in opposite directions. Unfortunately, Loi tripped and fell, becoming an easy target for the elephant’s aggression. Lab, although injured with a fractured knee and multiple scratches, managed to escape and call for help. Rescuers and authorities arrived at the scene to find Loi’s body with severe injuries and her rubber tapping equipment damaged.

This unfortunate incident sheds light on the recurring problem of wild elephants entering plantations and causing trouble for locals. Lersak Prasong, the owner of the plantation, revealed that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred on his property. He had previously reported the issue to the local authorities, but no action had been taken. Lersak urged the government to take immediate measures to prevent further conflicts between humans and elephants. Rubber tapping is a vital source of livelihood for many villagers, and their safety must be prioritized.

Human-elephant conflicts have been a growing concern in Thailand. According to the Office of Wildlife Conservation Information of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, there have been 135 reported fatalities and 116 injuries caused by wild elephants in the past six years. Shockingly, 27 deaths occurred in the first nine months of this year alone. To address this alarming issue, the agency is collaborating with various stakeholders to find effective solutions for human-elephant coexistence. Some proposed measures include creating buffer zones, installing electric fences, and raising awareness among local communities.

It is crucial to find a balance between human activities and wildlife conservation. The loss of human lives, like Loi Kasanthia’s, emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to protect both humans and elephants. A comprehensive approach that considers the economic needs of local communities and the preservation of wildlife habitats is essential. The government should prioritize the implementation of preventive strategies to mitigate future conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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