Hungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

July 3, 2025

Shoppers in Thailand got quite the surprise when an unexpected customer stopped by for a bite—an elephant on a snack run!

elephant in store Thailand
A hungry elephant enters a store in Thailand

The towering visitor, a male elephant known as Plai Biang Lek, wandered into a local grocery store in Nakhon Ratchasima province near the edge of Kha Yai National Park.

On a mission for munchies, he helped himself to nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and some bananas—racking up a "tab" of around 800 baht (about $21).

Though the scene was certainly chaotic, the elephant appeared calm and focused on filling his belly.

elephant enters store Thailand
The elephant ate bags of snacks before leaving

Remarkably, he caused little damage aside from knocking over a few items and rearranging the shelves with his trunk.

According to Danai Sookkhanthachat, a local ranger, Plai Biang Lek is no stranger to the area and is known for seeking out food in nearby homes.

However, this marked his first known visit to a grocery store.

@apnews A hungry elephant caused havoc in a grocery store in Thailand, when he strolled in from a nearby park and helped himself to the produce on the shelves on Monday. It calmly chomped down about nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich and bananas, the store owner said. #elephant #thailand #animal ♬ original sound - The Associated Press

After his snack break, rangers gently guided the elephant out of the store without incident.

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