Wild Buffalo Fleeing Forest Fires Injures Villagers in Sisaket Province

Sisaket: Neighboring country's forest fires have led to wild buffalo fleeing across the border into Thailand, causing injuries to villagers. Panic erupted when a wild bull charged into villagers in Sisaket province, resulting in injuries. Authorities have mobilized personnel to track the bull and attempt to return it to its natural habitat. Initial investigations indicate that the bull likely fled due to forest fires in a neighboring country, seeking a new habitat.According to Thai News Agency, a clip filmed by 49-year-old Ms. Onwan on February 23rd shows a large wild bull, weighing approximately 4 tons, running across the road into a rice field near the Thai-Cambodian border while she was jogging around 6:30 AM. Ms. Onwan initially mistook the animal for a buffalo until she noticed its size and distinctive horns. Shortly after, the village headman announced an escaped bull was on the loose, charging through several villages.The bull struck 58-year-old Mrs. Ruean as she was digging cassava with her son in a field about 2 kilometers from the border. She suffered a fractured left vertebra in the tailbone area, necessitating surgery at Khun Han Hospital. Currently lacking the funds, she is scheduled for further assessment at Kantaralak Hospital on March 2, 2026. Mrs. Ruean recounted being thrown approximately 4 meters and losing consciousness during the incident. Her condition has since stabilized following surgery.Techin Chueadee, head of the Huai Sala Wildlife Sanctuary in Phusing District, Sisaket Province, disclosed that the wild bull likely entered Thai territory due to panic caused by grassland fires along the Cambodian border. He also indicated the possibility of a second bull, though this remains unverified. The incident has left villagers fearful of further encounters with wild buffaloes, leading community leaders to advise against entering risky areas.Officials at the Phanom Dong Rak Wildlife Sanctuary, Regional Office 9, have issued warnings for villagers to exercise caution and avoid agricultural areas to ensure their safety. Plans are underway to deploy teams to track the wild buffalo and prevent them from entering community areas. The buffalo sighted is a large male, weighing approximately 1-2 tons.