Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Authorities at Khao Yai National Park have launched legal proceedings against a man who approached a wild elephant while armed with a knife, sparking widespread alarm over the safety of both park visitors and wildlife.

 

The incident occurred at Thung Khao Khieo in the Hin Tang Subdistrict of Mueang Nakhon Nayok District and came to public attention on 29 April when a video clip showing the man advancing towards the elephant while carrying a large knife went viral on social media.

 

 

Mr Yosawat Thiansawat, Director of the Protected Area Regional Office 1 in Prachinburi, confirmed the incident and stated that the man’s actions had breached several regulations. Mr Chaiya Huaihongthong, Head of Khao Yai National Park, expressed concern, noting that such behaviour poses serious risks to both humans and animals.

 

The actions contravened two provisions of the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019): bringing a weapon into the park, and disobeying instructions from park officials (Sections 19(7) and 20). The incident also violated Articles 4(4) and 8 of the 2020 Department of National Parks’ regulations governing park access.

 

Authorities have identified the offender as Mr Wiriya Phan-ed, a 24-year-old soldier from Amnat Charoen province, currently serving in the 2nd Special Warfare Training Company in Nakhon Ratchasima. It has since emerged that Mr Wiriya is suffering from a mental health condition. His military unit has taken custody of him and is arranging for treatment to prevent any future incidents.

 

 

On the day of the event, Mr Wiriya was reported to be acting erratically. Dressed in what resembled a military uniform, he entered the park carrying both a knife and a firearm. He reportedly threatened tourists and park staff and advanced dangerously close to a young wild elephant named “Phlai Phupha,” aged around 10, who fortunately remained calm and walked away without incident.

 

Despite ignoring repeated warnings from park officials not to approach the elephant, Mr Wiriya eventually withdrew and fled the scene on a motorbike. Park authorities quickly mobilised forces and set up checkpoints at all park exits in both Prachinburi and Nakhon Ratchasima to track him down.

 

Speaking to the media, Mr Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed,

 

“The suspect is currently under the care of his military unit. We aim to ensure he does not pose a threat to the public or himself in the future,” said Mr Atthaphon.

 

Park authorities have reiterated the dangers of approaching wild elephants. Such animals can react unpredictably if they feel threatened, potentially leading to fatal consequences. Visitors are strongly advised to respect park rules, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and follow the instructions of park staff at all times.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-01.

 

 

 

 

chain him to the bed for his own safety and others