Hungry Elephant Raids Thai Shop, Devours Snacks Worth £18

A hungry elephant from Thailand's Kha Yai National Park recently made an unexpected visit to a local shop. The incident, captured on video, shows the elephant brazenly helping itself to food from the shelves. Shop owner Kanokporn Sriboon described the scene, saying, "It was quite a surprise! I've never seen anything like it before." The elephant, known as Plai Biang Lek, is a familiar sight on the park's fringes. It consumed nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and several bananas, totaling an estimated 800 baht (around £18). While initially startled, Sriboon and other onlookers managed to gently guide the elephant back to the park without incident. The incident highlights the challenges of wildlife conservation in areas where human settlements and wildlife habitats intersect. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of coexistence and respectful management of natural resources.