On November 15, rescue teams from Hook 31 Foundation in Nakhon Ratchasima deployed thermal drones to monitor wild elephants that had left Thap Lan National Park and encroached on agricultural lands in Wang Nam Khiao and Khon Buri districts. The elephants, nearly 80 in total, were spotted feeding on cassava fields in Chorakhe Hin Subdistrict since the night of November 13. Over 10 officers and volunteers worked through the night to drive the herd back into the forest. However, the same herd returned on the evening of November 14, prompting another all-night operation involving vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors.
According to local leader Suriya Phasi, wild elephants are raiding multiple areas in Chorakhe Hin and Udom Subdistricts, with the total number estimated at over 100. Volunteer networks in both areas are collaborating to manage the situation but face challenges due to insufficient resources, including vehicles, firecrackers, and thermal drones essential for tracking the elephants' locations. With operations ongoing for over a week, teams are now experiencing significant fatigue.