Retired Official Charged After Speeding Near Wild Elephants in Khao Yai
A retired official faces charges after speeding through Khao Yai National Park and frightening a mother elephant and her calf, nearly causing a collision and endangering tourists nearby.
A retired civil servant drove at high speed through Khao Yai National Park and came dangerously close to a mother elephant and her calf, known as Pho Ngatong and Nong Tonkla, as they crossed the road. The calf was startled and bolted, nearly colliding with the mother elephant, and tourists nearby were forced to jump aside in alarm. Park director Chaiyya Huai Hongthong announced that the park has issued a citation against the driver for violating park regulations and breaking several laws, including harassing wildlife and failing to obey park ranger instructions. The park is urging all visitors and road users to strictly follow safety rules: maintain at least 50 meters distance from wild elephants, avoid speeding, honking, or loud noises, and never stop to photograph elephants at close range, as such behavior poses a serious risk to human life. Khao Yai National Park has increased ranger patrols and stationed staff at high-risk points along all tourist routes, with instructions to immediately enforce the law against any violations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
