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Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Elephant 'shoplifts' rice crackers in Thai convenience store, sparks online frenzy
THAILAND: In an unusual but charming encounter, a wild elephant in northeastern Thailand attained viral 'celebrity status' after nonchalantly walking into a convenience store, helped himself to cartons of rice crackers, and just walked out of the store as if nothing had happened. The episode, captured on video and shared on the Here is Khao Yai Facebook page, has tickled locals and animal lovers all over the country. Cracker crime goes viral According to a recent SCMP report, the video showed the enormous elephant, known locally as Plai Biang Lek, wandering into the tiny store in Pak Chong district, his head almost hitting the ceiling. Without reluctance, he ransacked the snack shelves, demolishing several boxes of rice crackers in what social media users flippantly called a 'daylight robbery.' Thais hurriedly took to social media to simulate the elephant's tricks. 'Would you like some pork buns?' one commenter jested. Another bantered, 'Did you forget to pay for your food, Biang? Have you scanned?' The carefree tenor mirrors a cultural fondness for elephants, even in times of pandemonium. See also Panda death in Thailand stirs suspicion in China Plai Biang Lek, no longer a stranger to the limelight, has already been spotted numerous times in human settlements. In a prior incident, he was caught on camera sneaking into a restaurant pantry, attracted by the aroma of food while the owners were sleeping. Shrinking habitats fuel elephant-human encounters The store is situated near Khao Yai National Park, a huge protected area and home to wild elephants. With development and agricultural expansions, these animals have increasingly been leaving the park seeking food, which has resulted in more frequent, sometimes panicky, encounters with humans. Thailand's wild elephant population is projected to be between 3,700 and 4,400, but loss of habitat has driven many into the countryside and busy communities. Some growers, troubled by crop devastation, have resorted to building electric railings, leading to injury or tragic death of some elephants. Despite these pressures, elephants remain an extremely well-regarded character in Thailand, a land where elephants are the official animals and have played an essential role in the nation's history. A nation of elephants, wild and captive While the quantity of wild elephants has diminished, caged populations have outnumbered them today. About 2,798 elephants are held in reserve within tourism venues across Thailand, with almost three-quarters utilised for entertainment purposes. In contrast to the early 20th century, when Thailand bragged about 300,000 wild elephants, only around 6,000 remain today, half of which live in uninhabited areas. As for Plai Biang Lek, his 'snack attack' has made him an 'urban legend,' a representation of both the allure and the challenges of Thailand residents' coexistence with these most iconic animals.
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Write a funny caption for this cat at the Pet Expo Championship
The Pet Expo Championship is an annual event in Bangkok, Thailand, designed for animal lovers. This exciting extravaganza features thrilling pet competitions, a range of health products, and training supplies. Visitors can also interact closely with furry friends, creating unforgettable memories. Ruchi Shah Is the cat better off not listening to humans? form or you can email us at Send us a funny caption by filling out thisor you can email us at [email protected] . The deadline is at 12pm on May 21. We'll publish the best ones next week. Last week's top caption Children participated in a Soapbox Race at the Kloesterlistutz slope in Bern, Switzerland last month. Photo: EPA-EFE Archish Arvind (aged 10), Nord Anglia International School: Soapbox food truck chefs are chasing a Michelin star!
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Grief
As we grow up with pets, We forget That they can't be with us forever Because someday With or without knowing, we will touch their fur for the last time Kiss them Hug them All for the last time. We will hear their last meow, Or bark Or their last pleading look, The day we got them, Turns into their last day Although they may get on your nerves They might annoy you Or even make you mad But you must know, it's their first time living And all they want to do is love you Until they can't anymore.
