Campsite Closed After Third Fatality Attributed to Same Elephant

A campsite in Khao Yai National Park was closed after authorities said a wild bull elephant fatally attacked a tourist on Feb. 2; officials reported this was the third reported death linked to the same animal.

A campsite in Thailand's Khao Yai National Park was closed after a tourist was killed in an incident involving a wild bull elephant on Feb. 2, provincial officials announced. The victim, a man in his 60s, was reportedly near his tent when the animal attacked and his wife escaped after rangers intervened. Park and provincial authorities have increased ranger patrols during the dry season while they assess how to address the animal. Known details: - The Khlong Pla Kang campsite was ordered closed by the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province following the death. - Officials identified the victim as Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn and said the animal has been linked to two prior reported fatalities. - Rangers have stepped up patrols at tourist sites and in the national park during the dry season, authorities said. - Park officials said they are deciding whether to relocate the bull elephant or attempt behaviour change, and a final decision is pending. Summary: Officials described the closure and increased patrols as a response to repeated fatal incidents involving the same wild elephant. Authorities are weighing relocation or other measures for the animal, and the timing of any action is undetermined at this time.