Khao yai: Khao Yai National Park is urgently implementing systems to prevent wild elephants from attacking tourists. The head of Khao Yai National Park reiterated that they are moving forward with upgrading measures to prevent wildlife attacks on tourists, following the incident where a wild elephant, "Phlai Oiwan," fatally attacked a tourist while he was jogging in the early morning at the Khlong Plakung campsite. A meeting with all relevant parties is scheduled for February 10th to propose solutions such as erecting an electric fence or constructing an enclosure around the campsite to prevent wildlife from accessing the camping area.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, revealed that he will be attending the funeral ceremony for the tourist who died after being attacked by a wild elephant in Lopburi province today. Initially, the park has provided 50,000 baht in assistance to the bereaved family. Furthermore, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will expedite further assistance and compensation according to government regulations.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 6:00 AM on February 2nd. While park rangers were trying to guide "Phlai Oiwan," an elephant that had strayed out of the national park into a residential area, back into the forest, the elephant encountered a tourist couple jogging near the Khlong Plakung ranger station (Khao Yai 4). The elephant attacked them; the wife managed to escape, but the husband, who suffered from osteoarthritis and limited mobility, was fatally injured.
Mr. Chaiya stated that the incident occurred not on a main route where wild elephants frequently emerge, making it a difficult event to predict. However, the incident highlights the need to review preventive measures, both in the short and long term, particularly in recreational and camping areas within the national park. Regarding the Lam Ta Khong campsite, which remains open although not a primary high-risk area, there is still a chance of encountering wildlife at certain times. The following measures have been taken:
Install additional lighting around the area to make animals visible from a distance.
Instruct staff to control the distance between the tent line and the forest edge.
Increase patrol and surveillance personnel to operate 24 hours a day. If elephants or other wild animals are sighted, all tourists will be woken up immediately.
Public announcement: All activities are strictly prohibited at night or before dawn.
At the National Park Advisory Committee meeting on February 10th, long-term solutions to wildlife problems will be considered, including addressing issues of animals venturing outside protected areas and disturbing the public, as well as preventing wildlife attacks on tourists in national parks. Khao Yai National Park is preparing to propose a system to prevent wildlife from entering campsites, such as electric fences or constructing enclosures around camping areas. However, without any permanent structure, the risk will remain, and even intensive monitoring cannot guarantee 100% safety, as national park areas are the natural habitats of wildlife.
The head of Khao Yai National Park also expressed concern about the behavior of some tourists who like to take close-up photos of wild elephants or park their cars along tourist routes to wait for the animals to appear. The park has previously issued strict regulations prohibiting parking and waiting to photograph animals, and has deployed surveillance teams and rescue personnel to push tourists away and prevent them from getting too close. However, some still attempt to get close enough to take pictures, believing that Khao Yai elephants are gentle. This is a misconception that can be dangerous, as wild animals have strong instincts and can change their behavior at any time. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and exercise caution.
Mr. Chaiya confirmed that Khao Yai National Park has sufficient staff for monitoring, deterring wild elephants, security, and rescue teams, especially during long holidays with a large number of tourists. However, what needs to be done additionally is proactive public awareness campaigns, thoroughly reminding tourists of the proper procedures in case of encounters with wild animals. He also requested the cooperation of tourists to strictly follow the regulations and instructions of the staff.