PHANG NGA, Thailand – A Spanish female tourist tragically died after being pushed by an elephant during a bathing tour on Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga. The impact caused her to hit a rocky pool edge, resulting in severe injuries that later led to her death at the hospital. Authorities have charged the elephant’s mahout with negligence causing death.
Phitsamai Wongkaew, the Director of Phang Nga Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, reported the incident, which occurred on Friday, January 3. The Phang Nga Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) was notified by the Provincial Tourist Police about the accident at an elephant camp in Pru Nai Sub-district, Koh Yao District, Phang Nga Province.
The deceased, identified as Miss Ojanguren Garcia Blanca, a 23-year-old Spanish national, had arrived in Thailand with her partner on December 26, 2024. According to the investigation, the tourist was visiting Koh Yao Yai and participated in an elephant bathing tour. She was interacting in the water with a 45-year-old female elephant named “Pang Sombun,” under the care of 38-year-old mahout Theerayut Inthapootkit.
The incident occurred when the tourist was positioned in front of the elephant, startling the animal. The elephant pushed her with its trunk, causing her to hit a rocky edge of the pool. The tourist sustained severe injuries and was initially provided first aid by elephant camp staff before being transported to Andaman International Clinic. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after, and her body was later sent to Koh Yao Chaipattana Hospital for autopsy.
The family of the deceased has been informed. Meanwhile, the Koh Yao Police Station has charged Theerayut with “negligence causing death.” Investigations are ongoing to determine potential legal and compensation measures involving the tour company responsible for the activity.
