Hungry Elephant's Grocery Store Raid Causes Chaos in Thailand

A hungry elephant created chaos in a small grocery store in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, on June 5, 2025. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when Plai Biang Lek, an elephant known to locals, wandered into the store from the nearby Kha Yai National Park. Shopkeepers watched in disbelief as the elephant helped itself to nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and some bananas, causing an estimated 800 baht in damages. "We just watched in shock," said one shopkeeper, who asked not to be named. The park rangers were called and eventually guided the elephant back to the national park. The incident serves as a reminder of the close proximity between humans and wildlife in certain areas of Thailand and the occasional challenges this presents. The event, though unusual, ended without any injuries.