Report Wild Elephant Attack Compensation Updated to Ensure Timely Payouts

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has implemented significant changes to its compensation policy for individuals affected by wild elephant attacks. The policy overhaul, effective from June 11, outlines a clear structure for compensation, with a maximum payout of 500,000 baht. This initiative aims to ensure that victims receive timely and fair compensation, as funds will be transferred within five working days of claim approval.

 

The updated regulations were announced by DNP Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa on June 12, underscoring the department's commitment to providing clarity and fairness in compensating those affected by wild elephants. The compensation encompasses damages related to life, physical harm, property, and crops. To qualify, claimants must own or legally lease the affected property. This is part of a broader effort to address and mediate human-elephant conflicts, which have been a persistent issue in several regions of Thailand.

 

The policy specifies that victims must not have intentionally provoked the elephants or entered their territory without a valid reason. Additionally, they must have taken reasonable precautions to ensure their safety. This provision helps to prevent misinformation and ensures the integrity of claims.

 

Compensation details include 500,000 baht for fatalities, up to 30,000 baht for general injuries, and 500,000 baht for permanent disabilities such as paralysis or the loss of limbs or eyesight. Victims who are unable to work due to recovery will receive a daily compensation of 100 baht for up to 180 days, based on medical advice. This financial support assists not only in physical recovery but also in mitigating economic hardships caused by an inability to work.

 

For damaged crops or property, land must be supported by proper documentation such as land deeds or land use certificates. Compensation rates for agricultural produce are set at 5,330 baht per rai for rice, 6,637 baht per rai for corn, and 24,550 baht per rai for bananas. However, those with convictions for violations related to natural resource protection laws will not qualify for compensation, which underscores the department’s emphasis on lawful conduct in preserving natural areas.

 

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the department has introduced a streamlined process where victims must report incidents within three days to local park or wildlife protection officers. A designated committee is responsible for verifying and assessing damages within a maximum of seven working days. For claims concerning injuries or fatalities, the committee is chaired by the Director of the Wildlife Management Office. In contrast, property or crop damage claims are overseen by local conservation authorities alongside local leaders.

 

Following approval by the director-general, compensation funds are disbursed within five working days, reinforcing the swift response commitment of the DNP. Currently, the department has prepared to compensate six individuals, totalling approximately 1.02 million baht. This includes 1 million baht for two fatalities and 20,000 baht for four injury claims.

 

In anticipation of future claims, the department has requested an additional 100 million baht from central funds to ensure sufficient resources are available. However, the Budget Bureau has indicated that future allocations may be contingent upon actual incidents rather than immediate availability, which presents a challenge to the department's proactive funding model.

 

Director-General Atthapol highlighted that these new regulations mark an essential step in effectively supporting victims of wild elephant conflicts. The DNP is determined to address human-elephant conflicts in a sustainable manner, reflecting a balanced approach to wildlife conservation and community welfare. These changes signify a proactive stance in resolving conflicts, aiming to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife while preserving Thailand’s natural heritage.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-13

 

 

[Middle Aged Grouch]

What about issues with snakes ? Far more chances in Thailand  to bump into a deadly slithering snake then a tasked Amok. A family friend who was in Hua Hin few weeks ago ran into a deadly spitting Cobra inside a popular and posh housing developpement in Hua Hin (Hin Lek Fai area). Snakes don't care apparently as much as the managments in such costly developpements, who do not really seem to give a hoot. Until one day when a tourist gets bitten and it becomes viral on social media globaly. ...

[Artisi]

6 hours ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

What about issues with snakes ? Far more chances in Thailand  to bump into a deadly slithering snake then a tasked Amok. A family friend who was in Hua Hin few weeks ago ran into a deadly spitting Cobra inside a popular and posh housing developpement in Hua Hin (Hin Lek Fai area). Snakes don't care apparently as much as the managments in such costly developpements, who do not really seem to give a hoot. Until one day when a tourist gets bitten and it becomes viral on social media globaly. ...

How much damage to property did the snake create? 

[Yagoda]

100 baht a day for a dude that cant work because he was stomped by an elephant. Get a Lamborghini on that amount