Elephant Walks into Thai Grocery Store and Steals Snacks — Caught on Video
In a scene reminiscent of a children's storybook, a wild elephant named Plai Biang Lek made an unexpected visit to a grocery store in Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province. The 30-year-old male elephant, known to frequent areas near Khao Yai National Park, entered the store in search of food, leaving both locals and the internet abuzz.
A Surprise Visit
On June 2, 2025, Plai Biang Lek strolled into the grocery store, calmly helping himself to approximately nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and some dried bananas. Despite efforts by park workers to deter him, the elephant remained undeterred, eventually leaving the store with a bag of snacks in his trunk. The incident was captured on CCTV and quickly went viral online.
A Familiar Face
Plai Biang Lek is no stranger to the local community. According to Danai Sookkanthachat, a volunteer park worker, the elephant has been known to enter homes in search of food. However, this marked the first time he ventured into a commercial establishment. "After he left the shop, he went on to open a bedroom window of another house," Sookkanthachat noted.
Human-Elephant Interactions
Thailand is home to an estimated 4,000 wild elephants as of 2024. As agricultural expansion encroaches upon their natural habitats, incidents of elephants entering human settlements in search of food have become increasingly common. These encounters, while often benign, can sometimes lead to property damage or pose risks to both humans and elephants.
Community Response
The local community's reaction to Plai Biang Lek's grocery store visit has been a mix of amusement and concern. While the store owner expressed surprise, she also acknowledged the broader issue of habitat loss leading to such encounters. Efforts are underway by park authorities and volunteers to monitor elephant movements and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
A Viral Sensation
The video footage of Plai Biang Lek's snack escapade has garnered significant attention online, highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human development. As urban areas continue to expand, such interactions serve as poignant reminders of the importance of preserving natural habitats and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Watch the Incident
For a firsthand look at Plai Biang Lek's grocery store visit, watch the video below:
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