By Maria Rina Santoso, South East Asia Correspondent

In a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary, a bold elephant brought traffic to a standstill on a major Thai highway, raiding trucks for its favourite treats. The incident highlights the challenges of coexisting with Thailand’s growing elephant population in protected areas.

The event unfolded on Wednesday along Highway No. 3076 in Chachoengsao province, where a large wild elephant positioned itself firmly in the road, blocking half the thoroughfare. Motorists, faced with the imposing animal, had little option but to stop and watch as it helped itself to freshly cut sugarcane and tapioca from the beds of passing trucks. The highway cuts through Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast protected zone that serves as a haven for elephants and other wildlife.

Sanctuary officials have long advised drivers to exercise caution in this area. Speed limits are strictly enforced at under 60 kilometres per hour, and encounters with elephants require patience. “Motorists should stop their vehicles and allow the animal to pass without any provocation,” explained a spokesperson from the sanctuary, emphasising that actions such as revving engines, flashing headlights, or sounding horns could agitate the creatures and lead to dangerous situations.

Feeding wild animals, including elephants, is prohibited within the sanctuary boundaries, as it can encourage dependency on human food sources and disrupt natural behaviours. This particular elephant’s audacious forage underscores the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation in Thailand’s eastern regions.

Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary spans an impressive 643,750 square metres, stretching across five provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Prachinburi. Situated at the western edge of the Cardamom Mountains, it forms part of a critical corridor for elephant migration and biodiversity. Thailand’s elephant population, both wild and domesticated, has been a point of national pride and concern, with conservation efforts ongoing to mitigate conflicts between humans and these majestic animals.

While such incidents are relatively common in areas where human development encroaches on wildlife habitats, they serve as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and protective measures. Local communities in Chachoengsao province have reported similar encounters, though this one gained attention due to the elephant’s opportunistic raid on commercial vehicles. The affected trucks, likely en route to markets or processing facilities, faced delays but no reported injuries or significant damage.

In broader terms, this event illustrates the everyday quirks of life in Thailand’s rural and protected areas, where nature often asserts its presence. Experts suggest that as urban expansion continues, such interactions may become more frequent, prompting calls for improved signage, wildlife corridors, and education programmes. However, without definitive data on the frequency or impacts of these events, it remains a light-hearted anecdote rather than a pressing crisis.

The sanctuary’s management, under the auspices of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, continues to monitor elephant movements and educate the public. “Our goal is to ensure safe passage for both people and animals,” the spokesperson added.

This story, while amusing, gently nudges towards the importance of respecting wildlife zones. As Thailand balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, moments like these offer a playful glimpse into the country’s rich natural heritage.