Elephant's Unexpected Grocery Run Causes a Stir in Thailand

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, an unusual event unfolded on Monday, June 2nd, 2025. A large male elephant, known locally as Plai Biang Lek, strolled into a local grocery store and proceeded to help himself to the merchandise. The elephant, a familiar sight near Kha Yai National Park, calmly consumed nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and bananas before rangers intervened. "He has been known to enter people’s houses in search of food," said Danai Sookkhanthachat, a local ranger, "but had not gone into a store before." Despite the unexpected visitor, the damage was minimal, largely limited to some disarranged shelves. The elephant was safely escorted from the store, leaving behind an unpaid bill and a memorable story. This incident highlights the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence near national parks.