Protest! National Parks Department Demands Resignation of Director and Veterinarians over Sedor Hu Phap Elephant Death during Relocation

On February 11, 2024, at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Kitikun Plawan, chairman of the Thai Volunteer Animal Welfare Organization, along with over 200 network members, came to submit a complaint and protest to Artthapon Charoenchansa, the Department Director, demanding a review of his work following the death of wild elephant 'Sedor Hu Phap'. Kitikun stated that as a representative of animal welfare volunteers and animal lovers, they are deeply concerned about the elephant's death, which has caused significant distress and suspicion about the department's operations and the veterinary team. The protesters raised five key questions, including why the department didn't appeal the administrative court's order, why 5 tranquilizer shots were used, how the elephant's weight was assessed, why 200 staff with sharp tools were needed, and questioned the veterinarians' expertise. Their four main demands include: 1) The director's unconditional resignation, 2) Investigation of the veterinary team, 3) Stopping all elephant relocations and sterilizations, and 4) Investigating potential land encroachment in the elephant's habitat. Sukhee Boonsang, Director of Wildlife Conservation, confirmed that all complaints would be reviewed by an expert committee and transparently reported to the public, emphasizing the department's love and care for wildlife.