Retired Official Speeding Near Elephants Faces Wildlife Crime Charges
A retired government official faces wildlife crime charges after driving recklessly near wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park, nearly hitting a calf and endangering tourists, with potential penalties including five years imprisonment.
The Thailand Animal Prevention Cruelty Association has warned of an incident in which a retired government official drove at high speed and nearly hit wild elephants crossing a road in Khao Yai National Park, prompting wildlife abuse charges carrying penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 500,000 baht.
On September 21, 2026, Dr. Satit Prajyaarayakul, Secretary-General and Director of the Thailand Animal Prevention Cruelty Association, and expert committee members addressed the case of a retired official who drove at speed within Khao Yai National Park, cutting dangerously close to a bull elephant and calf as they crossed the road. The reckless driving startled the young elephant and nearly caused it to collide with the adult, and forced nearby tourists to jump out of the way in alarm.
Dr. Satit said the wild elephant issue in Khao Yai National Park has become an increasingly common problem in recent times and a subject of public discussion regarding appropriate solutions to protect natural resources and ensure the sustainable welfare of wildlife.
A previous incident involved someone throwing firecrackers at an elephant, which falls under unlawful endangerment of wildlife in a national park—an offense under Section 19(3) of the National Park Act 2019, carrying penalties under Section 43 of up to five years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 500,000 baht or both. Enforcement falls directly under the authority of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Dr. Satit reported that Khao Yai National Park, under director Chaiyya Huay Hongsong, has issued a summons to the driver and completed an investigation. The offender has been identified as a retired government official facing multiple charges, including violation of the rule requiring a minimum 50-meter distance from wild elephants, harassment of wildlife, and failure to comply with official orders.
The Thailand Animal Prevention Cruelty Association and its partner animal welfare network organizations continue to monitor wildlife and pet issues and pursue policies to protect animals across diverse contexts, promote their welfare, and reduce animal cruelty throughout Thailand sustainably, contributing to both animal and human well-being.
