National Parks Department Addresses Elephant Relocation Incident, Confirms Following Scientific Procedures

The National Parks Department held a press conference on February 12, 2024, at the department's operational center to explain the details of the wild elephant 'Sidoh Hu Phab' incident during a court-ordered relocation operation. Department Director Attaphol Charoenchansa expressed deep regret over the elephant's loss, emphasizing that the operation was conducted using scientific methods. Attaphol stressed the need to balance animal welfare and public safety. He ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and committed to using this event as a critical lesson to improve future operational procedures and prevent similar occurrences. Natthawat Nuisriram provided context, explaining that these elephants had been causing problems in Khon Kaen province since 2566 (2023), resulting in two injured and two fatal human casualties. A Khon Kaen Administrative Court order on October 31, 2025, mandated the relocation of four dangerous elephants within 30 days. Veterinarian Kittiyaporn explained the sedation process, noting that despite administering four sedation injections and emergency medical interventions, the elephant succumbed due to respiratory failure caused by food obstruction, likely triggered by accumulated stress.