Tourist Dies Following Attack by Elephant Previously Involved in Two Killings at Thai National Park

A wild bull elephant has reportedly killed a third tourist this week at a national park in Thailand, as confirmed by several media sources.

Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn, a resident of Muang district in Lop Buri, was exercising close to his campsite at Khao Yai National Park with his wife around 5:30 AM on Monday, February 2, when he encountered the elephant.

In his sixties, Jirathachai came across Phlai Oiwan, the bull elephant who was feeding near the forest boundary. The elephant charged at him, using its trunk to grab him and throw him to the ground, subsequently trampling him, as reported by the Post.

Rescue personnel and a physician later assessed him, revealing he had sustained multiple broken bones and other severe injuries.

Wanchai Kaenchantuek, head of the Khao Yai 4 (Khlong Pla Kang) park protection unit, mentioned he heard the elephant along with the victim's cries for help. Upon reaching the scene, he discovered the victim and informed the necessary authorities.

The shocking incident transpired as other campers witnessed the attack in distress.

Jiraphatboonyathorn's wife, who was present during the event, managed to escape unharmed after park rangers frightened the elephant away, according to national park official Chaiya Huayhongthong, who provided information to AFP.

Huayhongthong noted that a meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 6, where officials will determine the future of the elephant. "We are likely to consider relocating it or altering its behavior," he told the news agency.

Forest officials have mandated enhanced patrols and monitoring to ensure safety, advising tourists to remain vigilant.

This tragic incident marks the third reported fatality linked to this particular elephant, as pointed out in news reports. However, Huayhongthong also indicated that the elephant might be responsible for additional fatalities.

According to Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, over 220 individuals, including tourists, have lost their lives due to encounters with wild elephants since 2012, as reported by AFP.