Wild elephant breaks into grocery store for snacks in Thailand

A wild elephant's surprise visit to a grocery store in Thailand sheds light on the challenges of human-elephant coexistence, as urbanization threatens their natural habitats.

In a truly unusual event in Thailand, Plai Biang Lek, a 27-year-old wild elephant, made an unexpected visit to a small grocery store in search of a snack. The incident took place one afternoon in Nakhon Ratchasima province, near the Khao Yai National Park. While it’s not uncommon to spot elephants in the vicinity, it marks the first time one of these majestic creatures decided to walk straight into a store.

Captured on security cameras, the elephant approached the store with calm strides, gently moved a freezer aside to make room, and proceeded without hesitation towards the candy aisle. Using its trunk, Plai Biang Lek carefully selected snacks and candies, indulging in roughly 800 baht (about $25) worth of treats, including sweet rice crackers, dried bananas, and peanut snacks.

“It seemed like it knew exactly what it was looking for,” said the store owner, Khamploi Kakaew. “It looked like it came here on purpose.” A second elephant, likely a companion, stood outside waiting. Thankfully, no one was injured during the encounter, and after about ten minutes, park rangers were able to gently coax the elephant away.

A wildlife organization steps in

The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread attention. In response, a wildlife protection organization decided to reimburse the store for the damages, humorously suggesting they were “sponsoring the elephant’s snack time.”

This unusual incident highlights the growing tension between humans and elephants, exacerbated by increasing urbanization and the loss of natural habitats. Today, it’s estimated that only 3,000-4,000 wild elephants remain in Thailand, a dramatic decline from over 100,000 in the last century.

Plai Biang Lek isn’t new to such “excursions.” According to local volunteers, the elephant has previously visited homes, even injuring itself by breaking a window with its trunk. Some elephants now appear to prefer life near human settlements, where food is more easily accessible. This raises critical questions about how humans and nature can sustainably coexist.