Khao yai: Khao Yai National Park has tightened security measures after an elephant attacked and killed a tourist. The park has closed the Khlong Pla Kang campsite following the incident where a wild elephant, "Phlai Oiwan," attacked and killed a tourist who was jogging overnight while camping there yesterday morning. In response, the park has intensified its safety measures for tourists.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yosawat Thiansawat, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 1, stated that the closure of the campsite was an urgent measure to prevent potential dangers to tourists. A tragic incident occurred in the morning when "Phlai Oiwan" attacked and killed a tourist near the Khlong Plakung ranger station while the tourist was exercising.
Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, reported that before the incident, an elephant monitoring and prevention team had been working to guide "Phlai Oiwan" back into the national park. During the operation, a married couple jogging near the ranger station saw the elephant and chased after it. The wife escaped, but the husband was attacked and killed by the elephant.
The director of the Protected Area Administration Office 1 (Prachinburi) has instructed the park to intensify security measures for tourists. This includes deploying officers to patrol and monitor wild elephants, in cooperation with communities bordering the park. Public awareness campaigns are being accelerated to warn tourists to avoid risky activities during peak hours, especially at night and early morning.
Public awareness signs will be erected in high-risk areas inhabited by wild elephants and other wildlife, urging caution. A team of wild elephant watchmen, in collaboration with community volunteers, has been formed to monitor the area bordering the park and local communities. This area is vulnerable to elephants venturing out to forage, potentially causing damage to life and property.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with the Regional Conservation Area Office 1 (Prachinburi), and Khao Yai National Park, offers condolences to the family of the deceased and confirms it will provide assistance and compensation as per government regulations.
Mr. Yosawat emphasized that during the dry season, wild elephants tend to forage near communities and tourist routes. He urged the public and tourists to exercise increased caution, move away if encountering elephants, avoid making noise, refrain from approaching the animals, and travel in groups, following park officials' instructions.