Park rangers are closely monitoring the movement of a herd of wild elephants which were responsible for the death of an 11-year-old boy on the night of October 13.
The boy’s 49-year-old mother was seriously injured in the incident, which took place when the herd trampled a camp site near a popular fishing spot in Preah Vihear province’s Choam Ksan district.
Ministry of Environment spokesman Khvay Atitya said on October 15 that rangers from the environment department and local authorities were working together to protect the public while safeguarding the rare wild animals.
He said teams were patrolling the area and tracking the herd to establish its location and prevent the elephants from approaching populated areas or farmers’ plantations.
Officials urged the public to exercise caution, avoid venturing deep into forests and refrain from setting up camps or bivouacs in forest areas used by elephants.
Specialists advised residents on ways to prevent encounters from escalating into conflict, including using sound or light to deter the animals. They were strongly warned against using weapons that could injure or kill the elephants.
Wild elephants in Preah Vihear regularly move between wildlife sanctuaries along the Dangrek mountain range, with herds generally numbering between 10 and 20 animals.
A joint task force remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety while protecting wildlife in the area.
The Preah Vihear provincial administration has instructed local authorities in communities bordering areas where elephants pass through or forage for food to disseminate safety information to the public. They have also been instructed to establish safety mechanisms, including warning systems.
The fatal incident occurred at about 8pm on October 13, when a herd of five or six wild elephants damaged a temporary shelter used while fishing at Kanhchang in Choam Ksan district.
Rescue teams responded, but the boy died en route to hospital. His mother remains in critical condition.
Preah Vihear provincial governor Kim Rithy presented financial support donated by Bun Rany, president of the Cambodian Red Cross, to the victims’ family.
