Bangkok: The Veterinary Council of Thailand is currently investigating the death of an elephant named "Sidor Hu Phap," which has sparked widespread concern among the public. The incident occurred during the elephant's transportation and has drawn attention from both animal conservation groups and the public.

According to Thai News Agency, the Veterinary Council of Thailand issued a statement regarding "Sidor Hu Phap's" collapse while under veterinary care. The council is gathering information and evidence to conduct a thorough investigation into the ethical conduct of the professionals involved. This investigation will follow principles of fairness, transparency, and adherence to strict academic guidelines. Should any violations of ethical conduct or professional standards be discovered, the council is prepared to take appropriate disciplinary action, emphasizing the public interest and maintaining trust in the veterinary profession.

The Veterinary Council has reiterated its commitment to academic principles and social responsibility as its highest priorities. Updates on the investigation's progress will be shared with the public as deemed appropriate. The council is dedicated to upholding standards and ethics in alignment with societal changes for the benefit of both the profession and society at large.

In response to the incident, several animal welfare volunteer groups and elephant conservation networks gathered outside the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Prominent figures, including Tuk Duangtem Salitul of the Thai Animal Welfare Volunteer Club, the Thai Elephant Conservation Network, and independent volunteer groups, demanded the resignation of Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the Director-General of the department, along with the veterinary team involved. The groups called for a transparent investigation into the autopsy results, appropriate tranquilizer dosages, and improvements in wildlife transportation standards to ensure animal safety. They also demanded a review of standard operating procedures for wildlife transportation, a continued suspension of wild elephant movements until safe measures are in place, and a halt to the elephant sterilization program. The groups expressed satisfaction with the Veterinary Council's ongoing investigation and pledged to submit letters to relevant agencies demanding accountability.

The elephant, Plai Sido Hu Phap, was a wild elephant from Phu Luang and collapsed on February 3, 2026, during a relocation mission from Khon Kaen Province to Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei Province. The statement reported that the elephant experienced seizures and respiratory failure due to food obstruction in its trachea. As a result, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has temporarily suspended all wild elephant relocation missions nationwide to investigate the incident and implement lessons learned.