Roaming elephants in Bangkok must be solved

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is taking stern measures to solve the problems of roaming elephants in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.

Mr. Kasem Sanidwongse Na Ayutthaya, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said he has ordered Mr. Somchai Piansathaporn (สมชัย เพียรสถาพร), Deputy Permanent Secretary, to make an announcement stating that bringing in elephants and let them wander aimlessly is illegal. The measure is expected to solve the problem of roaming elephants taken into the city to beg for food and money.

Moreover, Mr. Kasem mentioned that the announcement clearly specifies prevention measures and penalty clauses on bringing into the city elephants for roaming. These actions go against the Beast of Burden Act of 1971, Public Health Act of 1992, Animal Epidemic Disease Act of 1956, Highway Act of 1992, Land Transport Act of 1979 and the Wild Animals Protection Act of 1992. Violators are liable to 100-40,000 baht fine and imprisonment from 1 month up to 4 years, or both.

The announcement has been effective since 18th October, this year. Those who witness elephants wandering in Bangkok and suburban areas, are requested to call 1362 as soon as possible.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 October 2006

enforce the law / never mind it doesn't exist in Thailand

"The measure is expected to solve the problem of roaming elephants taken into the city to beg for food and money."

*****

an excellent measure. i am always bothered by roaming elephants when i visit Bangkok every five years... or so. now i can relax!

[...

Those who witness elephants wandering in Bangkok and suburban areas, are requested to call 1362 as soon as possible.

Comes every year, like Christmas or New Year.

And the government cannot find those small elephants therefore one havew to call 1362.

Errrr, what about walking Sukhumvit Soi 23, Soi 5, Soi 7? Just a hint.

.

The announcement has been effective since 18th October, this year. Those who witness elephants wandering in Bangkok and suburban areas, are requested to call 1362 as soon as possible.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 October 2006

It always amazes me when I see these beautiful creatures tramping the streets.

Isnt it also amazing how the police do nothing to prevent it???

I mean lets face it, how difficult is it to see a 3 ton grey thing doing a left from Sukhumvit into soi 4??

That's the problem, they are grey.

Not really a joke, some years ago I went out of town on Rama 9 - Road. Only the very last moment saw the beast walking on my lane without rear lights.

Don't they have the flashing lights on their backsides anymore??

Now if i could just get the inlaws to stop begging for money

I have tried. God knows I've tried. The police don't seem to be interested though. About a year ago I was driving along Srinakarin road following an Elephant and two young Mahouts. The police had set up one of their road block things for non helmet wearers. The elephant just lumbered past them. Not a twitch from the BIB