Drivers warned as wild elephants cross highway in Nam Nao

2026-02-17 - 06:46

PHETCHABUN — 17 February 2026, The head of Nam Nao National Park has warned motorists to take extra care after wild elephants were seen regularly crossing a highway through the park. Somkiat Katib, chief of the park in Phetchabun province, said on 17 February that elephants have been foraging and crossing the Lom Sak–Chum Phae road at kilometre marker 409, near a helicopter landing area within the park. He said herds are most often encountered in the afternoon and evening, in line with their feeding patterns. At night, lone animals, including elephants as well as barking deer and sambar deer, are more commonly seen crossing the road. Park authorities urged drivers using the route to slow down and exercise particular caution. If a herd is crossing, motorists should stop at least 30 metres away and switch on hazard lights to warn vehicles behind. Engines should be kept running to allow vehicles to move at any time if necessary. Drivers were strictly advised not to use high-beam headlights or sound their horns at the elephants. Motorists should wait until the animals have returned to the forest and it is safe to proceed. Revving engines or accelerating noisily should also be avoided, as loud sounds could startle the animals. Authorities warned that careless driving could endanger both animals and motorists.