Wild Elephants Break Into Sa Kaeo School, Sparking Safety Concerns

SA KAEO, Feb 12 (TNA) - Local authorities are calling for urgent government action after two wild elephants broke into a local school in eastern Thailand late Wednesday night.

CCTV footage from Ban Mai Sai Thong School in Khao Chakan district captured the incident at 11:36 p.m. The video shows two elephants approaching from a main road before tearing down the school’s perimeter fence. One elephant used its trunk and feet to crush the gate, while the second followed shortly after.

School officials and village leaders inspected the site Thursday morning, reporting significant damage to the steel fencing and surrounding trees.

"We were fortunate this happened at night when no classes were in session," said Thakoorn Kongchai the school’s deputy director. "Our primary concern is what might happen if they return during the day. It poses a lethal threat to students and staff."

The village head urged relevant agencies to provide a long-term solution, noting that wild elephants are increasingly encroaching on community areas. Local residents report living in fear, with many now afraid to leave their homes after dark.-819 (TNA)