A Jumbo Surprise
A wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park wandered into a local grocery store in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, on Monday afternoon, June 2, leaving behind startled shopkeepers and damaged shelves, but fortunately, no injuries.
The incident happened around 3 pm in the Ban Tha Maprang area of tambon Mu Si, just one kilometre from the park’s entrance, according to Bangkok Post.
Elephant Enters as Customers Flee
At the time, shop owner Khamploy Gakaew was serving a customer when the elephant entered the store.
Recognised by locals as Plai Biang Lek, the 25-year-old male elephant calmly walked in and started rummaging through the shelves.
“This was the first time an elephant had visited the store. I hope he doesn’t come back. I was worried about the damage he could cause,” the owner said, according to the Daily Mail.
She added that while she had seen elephants nearby before, this was the first time one had entered her shop.
Owner and Customer Ran, Contacted Park Authorities
Both the owner and the customer ran outside and contacted the park authorities.
FM91 Trafficpro reported that park rangers and the shop owner attempted to shoo the elephant out by shouting, but Plai Biang Lek was unfazed and continued to use his trunk to search for food.
Ten Minutes of Snack Browsing
According to reports, the elephant appeared to make himself at home, checking out sweet rice and chicken eggs during his brief visit.
Despite the disruption, the elephant stayed inside for only about 10 minutes before finally returning to the forest.
No Injuries, Minor Damage
No one was harmed during the incident. The store suffered minor damage, mostly to shelves and a few food items.
Sources stated that the estimated cost of the damage was over 1,000 baht (approx. S$39.43).
While this visit may have taken everyone by surprise, locals say it’s not unusual for elephants to emerge from Khao Yai National Park, prompting authorities to warn people in the area to stay alert.
Watch the video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
A Birthday to Trumpet About: Baby Elephant Blows Out Candle in Thailand
Malaysians Amused as Two Elephants Hitch a Ride for a Surprise Petrol Stop
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