Picture courtesy of Channel 7

 

A thrill-seeking tourist recently received a fine for recklessly getting too close to a wild elephant at Khao Yai National Park, underscoring ongoing safety challenges in the popular tourist destination. The incident occurred on 7th May when the tourist and his group, who were travelling from Thailand’s eastern region, stopped to snap selfies with the elephant wandering along the road.

 

Flouting national park guidelines that urge visitors to maintain a safe distance, the entourage stepped out of their vehicle to pose merely metres from the sizeable beast. This bold move not only breached park safety rules but also jeopardised their safety.

 

Park rangers, unimpressed by the tourists' antics, imposed a 500-baht fine on the main offender the following day. Alongside the financial penalty, the visitor received a stern warning to avoid such perilous encounters in the future.

 

Sarut Phiraksa, Assistant Chief of Khao Yai National Park, reiterated essential safety advice for park visitors. “If you encounter an elephant, please stay at least 50 metres away and wait for an official. Getting close puts yourself and others in serious danger,” he advised.

 

Sarut further emphasised that stopping on the roadside to approach wildlife is prohibited. Both sides of the road are off-limits due to safety reasons, protecting both humans and the animals from potential harm.

 

He cautioned, "There are currently many visitors and elephant enthusiasts. Please don’t take close-up pictures of wild elephants. This kind of behaviour endangers lives. We want everyone to enjoy the park safely and happily."

 

This incident is not an isolated one; tourists have continually underestimated the risks of approaching Thailand’s formidable elephants, despite repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers posed by these powerful creatures.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08

 

 

500 baht for a once in a lifetime picture. I’m sure it didn’t really bother him. If they want to stop this they need to patrol the roads and give hefty fines. 

Darwinian.  Almost.

Fines and Penalties dont discourage idiots.

Been in the park several times and have seen a lot of damage done by pissed off elephants.

so stupid its beyond belief. its not a dog. wtf

19 minutes ago, flexomike said:

Been in the park several times and have seen a lot of damage done by pissed off elephants.

Dont think they have to be pissed off to do damage. Just get in their way. Oops, sorry hooman, thought I stepped on some ripe banannas

3 hours ago, flexomike said:

Been in the park several times and have seen a lot of damage done by pissed off elephants

What does this mean?  Plesse explain with examples. 

Do the Thais have dual pricing for fines? 🤣

4 hours ago, jcmj said:

500 baht for a once in a lifetime picture. I’m sure it didn’t really bother him. If they want to stop this they need to patrol the roads and give hefty fines. 

It looked like two women actually 

46 minutes ago, Unamerican said:

What does this mean?  Plesse explain with examples. 

What is it you need explaining exactly? The concept of damage? A tree being uprooted; branches being ripped up; roots and earth being dug up; a building being trashed; Elephants are very large beasts and when they are upset can, and do, kill people. If. you want to see them en-masse- go the Elephant round up in Surin where all the Elephants in Thailand assemble in one place to be counted. Elephants are a protected species in Thailand.

6 hours ago, Magictoad said:

go the Elephant round up in Surin where all the Elephants in Thailand assemble in one place to be counted.

Seriously? All the elephants in Thailand are rounded up and sent to Surin?

On 5/9/2025 at 6:38 AM, Hammerheads said:

Do the Thais have dual pricing for fines? 🤣

Obviously not at 500 Baht