BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has outlined new measures to manage wild elephants and enhance tourist safety following the death of a visitor at Phu Kradueng National Park. The park, closed since December 13, is set to reopen on December 23 with heightened precautions in place to mitigate risks associated with wild elephant encounters.
A comprehensive safety review has been conducted to identify risk zones, with measures such as increased patrols and public warnings in areas frequented by elephants. A dedicated coordination center, or War Room, has been established to oversee operations while government agencies and local communities collaborate to reduce human-elephant conflicts. Compensation and support are being provided to victims of incidents involving wild elephants.
Thailand’s wild elephant population is estimated at over 4,000, with animals inhabiting 94 conservation areas nationwide. High incidences of elephants leaving forest zones have been reported in regions such as the Eastern Forest Complex, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, and Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. In 2024, over 11,000 incidents of elephants venturing out of conservation areas have been recorded, resulting in damage to crops and property, as well as 34 injuries and 39 fatalities.
The Department of National Parks reports that over the past three years, wild elephant activity has caused more than 37,000 incidents of human-wildlife conflict, including 239 deaths and 206 injuries. Efforts to mitigate these encounters focus on protecting wildlife and ensuring the safety of local communities and visitors to Thailand’s national parks. (NNT)
