WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT It is reported that the same wild bull elephant has killed three people, if not more, and national park officials will meet to decide the animal’s fate
A wild bull elephant has killed a third person at a national park in Thailand this week, multiple news outlets reported.
The man was identified as Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn from Lop Buri province, about 180 kilometres from the capital Bangkok.
He was exercising metres away from his camp at the Khao Yai National Park with his wife at about 5.30am on Monday, February 2 when he was attacked by the animal, Agence France-Presse, the Bangkok Post and Khaosod English reported.
Jirathachai, who was in his 60s, encountered bull elephant Phlai Oiwan feeding outside his forest boundary.
The elephant charged at Jirathachai, grabbing him with its trunk and slamming him to the ground before stomped on him, the Post reported.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Jirathachai is the third reported victim to be killed by the elephant, according to the reports, but national park official Chaiya Huayhongthong told AFP that the animal could have killed more people.
More than 220 people, including tourists, have been killed by wild elephants since 2012, according to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Jirathachai’s wife managed to escape after rangers scared the animal away, national park official Chaiya told AFP.
Chaiya said that the officials will meet on Friday to decide what to do with the animal.
“We will probably decide to relocate him or change his behaviour,” he said. The forest officials have ordered an increase in patrolling and monitoring activity and urged tourists to exercise caution.
Jirathachai was examined by rescue workers and a doctor, who determined that he suffered broken limbs and other injuries.
Wanchai Kaenchantuek, the head of the Khao Yai 4 (Khlong Pla Kang) park protection unit, said he heard the elephant and cries for help.
The Nation reported that Wanchai rushed to check, found the victim and alerted the relevant officials.
Other campers watched on in horror as the incident occurred.
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