BANGKOK • A wild elephant killed two Thai men in separate pre- dawn attacks yesterday as they worked at a rubber plantation in eastern Thailand.

Police said the two rubber tappers, both in their 40s and working 3km apart, were killed at the plantation in Kang Hang Maew district of Chanthaburi province.

"We believe that the same elephant killed both victims based on its path," said Lieutenant Sawai Chinwong from the local police station.

A third rubber tapper - a woman - suffered two broken legs after she was also attacked by an elephant at the same site as one of the victims.

According to Lt Sawai, the elephant trampled on the men, using its trunk to fling them to the ground as well as goring them with its tusks.

Thailand has about 2,500 wild elephants.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE