A tragic incident at a campsite in Thailand's renowned Khao Yai National Park has resulted in the death of a 65-year-old tourist, the third fatality linked to the same rogue wild bull elephant. The victim, identified locally as Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn, was taking a morning stroll with his wife when the aggressive animal, named Phlai Oyewan, launched a sudden and fatal assault.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
At approximately 5:30 am on Monday, the male elephant charged towards Mr Jiraphatboonyathorn, seized him with its trunk, violently slammed him to the ground, and proceeded to stamp on him. The attack occurred in front of the victim's wife and other campers, who watched in horror from the safety of their tents. Park rangers from Khao Yai intervened, scaring the elephant away and allowing the wife to flee the scene.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
Rescue workers and medical personnel arrived promptly, finding the victim with severe injuries, including multiple broken limbs. He was pronounced dead at the scene. National park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong confirmed the details, noting that the elephant had been 'in a rut' during the attack, a state of heightened aggression.
Authorities revealed that Phlai Oyewan has a history of violence, having previously killed two local residents. Huayhongthong stated, 'He was the third person killed by Oyewan,' and indicated that the elephant might be connected to several other unsolved deaths. A meeting is scheduled for Friday to determine the animal's fate, with options including relocation or behavioural modification programmes.
Broader Context of Elephant Attacks in Thailand
This incident highlights a growing concern regarding human-wildlife conflicts in Thailand. According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, over 220 people, including tourists, have been killed by wild elephants since 2012. The wild elephant population in the country has surged from 334 in 2015 to nearly 800 last year, prompting authorities to implement contraceptive vaccines for female elephants to manage the expanding numbers.
Recent Tourist Fatalities Involving Elephants
Other recent incidents underscore the risks associated with elephant interactions in Thailand. In January last year, Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year-old Spanish law student, was fatally injured while bathing an elephant at a sanctuary on Koh Yao island. Similarly, in December 2024, another tourist was killed by an elephant in Loei province's national park.
While elephants are generally not aggressive, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or are protecting their young. Activities such as bathing elephants remain popular among tourists, yet these tragedies emphasise the need for heightened safety measures and awareness in regions where human and elephant habitats intersect.
