Mammoth madness: Runaway elephant sparks chaos in Phuket

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Cherng Talay Police via The Phuket News

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Panic swept through Cherng Talay in Phuket this morning as an escaped elephant roamed the village streets, prompting an urgent response from police and handlers. The drama began at around 10am when the elephant bolted from its camp, heading towards Cherng Talay Wittayakom School, with a scaffolding pole tangled around its neck.

 

Witnesses reported minor damage to property, including a car window shattered along the elephant’s path. Police Major Kittipong Nupheng of Cherng Talay Police confirmed the incident, noting that while the damage was minimal, the situation caused significant distress.

 

Tension peaked when the elephant entered the school grounds, sparking further alarm. Officers, led by Police Colonel Wiraphong Rakkhito, quickly coordinated with a veterinarian and the elephant’s mahout to resolve the situation. The elephant, visibly agitated and unapproachable due to its unfamiliar surroundings, eventually waded into a nearby canal, giving the handlers a chance to intervene.

 

Thanks to the combined efforts of the police, locals, and the mahout, the elephant was safely recaptured and returned to its camp, Elephant Care Park, without further incident.

 

 

Natthaphong Chuphak, the manager of the camp, explained that the elephant had been startled by a car horn, causing it to flee.

 

“We are grateful for the swift response from the police and community.”

 

Cherng Talay Police Station released video footage capturing the elephant’s journey through the streets and the efforts made to bring it back safely. Though the episode caused a brief disruption, the rapid action of all involved ensured a safe and calm conclusion to the unexpected escapade, reported The Phuket News.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2025-01-23

 

 

[hotchilli]

Gone walk-about..

[harrycallahan]

It's not the breed it's the owners. 

[kiwikeith]

43 minutes ago, harrycallahan said:

It's not the breed it's the owners. 

Yes who likes metal hooks prodded into your ears. Or chained up by the legs under a metal roof for hour's 

[steven100]

he just wanted to go to school  

[Georgealbert]

This video of the incident.

 

 

[BritManToo]

Looked fairly calm to me as it wandered around.

Maybe it just wanted to have a walk, and go where IT wanted to go.

[kwan]

Packed his trunk and fled !

[sammieuk1]

Said goodby to this circus hope nelly has got a good memory 🤔

 

[SiSePuede419]

Does Phuket look like a place for Elephants?

 

Or Russians. 😃

[Thingamabob]

As usual not much sympathy here or in the Thai media for the elephant, only reports of frightened people running in all directions. Utterly pathetic. The cruel way elephants are treated in Thailand is a national disgrace.

[Grumpy one]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Gone walk-about..

Australian Aboriginal Elephant who would have thought, maybe getting ready for Australia Day

[KireB]

Why are elephants roaming the streets of Chern Talay?  20 years ago, you could regulary see them in Bangkok, but I thought this was made illegal. Wanna see elephants, go to Kuiburi NP.

[Taboo2]

Fake news! Traffic is always chaotic in this country.

[MikeandDow]

2 hours ago, KireB said:

Why are elephants roaming the streets of Chern Talay?  20 years ago, you could regulary see them in Bangkok, but I thought this was made illegal. Wanna see elephants, go to Kuiburi NP.

Because Thais do not know how to contain  elephants  in the parks, in a human manner

[Burma Bill]

5 hours ago, kwan said:

Packed his trunk and fled !

 

Using a trunk road?

[RayWright]

4 hours ago, Grumpy one said:

Australian Aboriginal Elephant who would have thought, maybe getting ready for Australia Day

With a couple of mahouts on his back, he could be playing "Two-Up".

[black tabby12345]

Thailand has got so many free-ranging cats and dogs across the nation.

Now, he is joining them...

[Justanotherone]

what if the elephant destroys your car, who pays???

[MikeandDow]

  Thailand should follow africa's method of Elephant containment,

[KireB]

2 hours ago, Justanotherone said:

what if the elephant destroys your car, who pays???

You could ask the elephant.

[TheFishman1]

We only get peanuts and a few bananas what do they expect TIT

[Grumpy one]

19 hours ago, RayWright said:

With a couple of mahouts on his back, he could be playing "Two-Up".

I missed that one   

[kiwikeith]

On 1/24/2025 at 6:51 AM, BritManToo said:

Looked fairly calm to me as it wandered around.

Maybe it just wanted to have a walk, and go where IT wanted to go.

Probably glad it got rid of its handler