Picture from responders

 

An incident unfolded on the morning of December 11, at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province when a wild elephant fatally attacked a domestic tourist, prompting authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and temporarily close high-risk areas.

 

At 09:45 park officials received a report of an elephant attack on the trail between the Buddha Metta statue and Penpob Mai Waterfall, near the Wang Kwang Visitor Center. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of a 49-year-old woman, later identified as Ms. Jiranan from Chachoengsao Province.

 

The victim had been walking along the trail when the attack occurred. This marks the first recorded incident of a tourist being killed by a wild elephant in the park’s history.

 

Following the incident, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, instructed officials from Protected Area Administration Office 8 to investigate and ensure tourist safety. The department has extended its condolences to the victim’s family and pledged full support during this difficult time.

 

Key measures implemented include:

 

1. Temporary Closures: High-risk areas, including trails frequented by wild elephants, such as the path to Penpob Mai Waterfall, are temporarily closed.

2. Increased Patrols: Park rangers have been deployed to monitor and patrol risky zones to prevent further incidents.

3. Visitor Guidelines: Tourists are advised to strictly follow safety instructions and avoid venturing into restricted areas.

 

The nature trails and other low-risk sections of the park remain open under heightened surveillance, but the department emphasised that only areas confirmed to be 100% safe will be accessible to visitors.

 

Officials from Phu Kradueng Police Station, along with medical personnel from Phu Kradueng Hospital, were dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation. Senior police officers, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongpipat Siripornwiwat, Loei Provincial Police Commander, arrived at the site via helicopter to oversee the inquiry.

 

Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was traveling alone when she encountered the elephant. The department has established a fact-finding committee to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and identify measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

 

Phu Kradueng National Park officials and local authorities have expressed their deepest sympathies to the victim’s family. “This is a heartbreaking and unprecedented incident for our park,” said Mr. Adisorn Hemthanont, Chief of Phu Kradueng National Park.

 

The department urged visitors to prioritise safety, especially during interactions with wildlife, and pledged to implement more robust measures to protect both tourists and the natural environment.

 

-- 2024-12-12

 

 

I am very surprised this is the first fatality at Phu Kradeung.

 

You have a huge number of tourists (mainly domestic) on a relatively small plateau atop a flat-topped mountain. The elephants, principally active at night, but also active during the day, have regular trails very close to the camping area. Tourists can wander around at will with rangers gently suggesting they don't.

6 hours ago, Briggsy said:

I am very surprised this is the first fatality at Phu Kradeung.

 

You have a huge number of tourists (mainly domestic) on a relatively small plateau atop a flat-topped mountain. The elephants, principally active at night, but also active during the day, have regular trails very close to the camping area. Tourists can wander around at will with rangers gently suggesting they don't.

If you go into the woods today beware of a big surprise...

Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety.

 

In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred, on the path between Phra Phuttha Metta and Namtok Phen Phop Mai, raising fears of another incident, Atthaphon said.

 

“For safety reasons, all entrances to Phu Kradueng National Park have been temporarily closed.”

 

Atthaphon added that wildlife experts are working to control and push the elephant away from the tourist zones.

 

This marks the first recorded incident of a wild elephant attack in Phu Kradueng, and officials are taking no chances. Currently, one of 10 elephants in the area has ventured into tourist zones. If pushing the animal out proves ineffective, park officials may resort to setting up pens in remote locations to manage the elephants far from visitors.

 

 

Meanwhile, over 500 tourists remain stranded on the mountain. Rescue efforts are underway, with 279 individuals already escorted down to safety. The DNP director plans to oversee the operation personally by December 16.

 

Tourists who planned trips to the park are being offered compensation. Officials are urging visitors to stay away until the situation is declared safe, reported Thai PBS.

 

Phu Kradueng, a popular hiking destination, is famed for its waterfalls and panoramic views. However, this incident underscores the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and tourist safety. Until the rogue elephant is managed, Thailand’s beloved national park will remain off-limits.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-12

 

 

Sad for her and her family, but why would they pen them up if they can’t force them away. Obviously they have lost too much of their space to the tourists. No place is 100% safe. Just put up warnings and information on how to stay away, or get away from them. If you decide to go trekking in their natural habitat you take the risk. 

I lived in Petchabun in 1970-74.  I rode a motorcycle from Petchabun to Chondan district very often.  One day at the top of the hill I saw mama elephant and her calf at the side of the rode.  I immediately shut off the bike and waited until they were approx. 100 meters off the road.  Then started my bike and proceeded to the top of the hill and paused to watch mama and baby go down off into the woods.  All of a sudden a bull elephant came crashing out of the woods where mama came from.  He came right at me.  Lucky my bike was on and and in gear.  Screeched a wheelie, and got out of there almost crapping my pants.  He chased and I could feel breath and spit on the back of my neck.  He stopped after about 50 meters, but I went another kilometer down the road and waited an hour.  I studied the road and noticed 2 more crossing areas.  Every time after that I was very careful.  I also rode the Lomsak- Chum Phae road for fun.  New road from the Aussies.  This was even more remote.  I studied the crossings.  I visited Petchabun many times 1990-2010.  I notice that every single area I noted, now has signs.  WARNING  ELEPHANT CROSSING.  I love progress.