Khao Yai Chief Apologizes for Use of Firecrackers on Plai Sarika

MGR Online•General•21h ago

Reader Briefing

The head of Khao Yai National Park apologized after a Facebook user posted footage of officials using spark-emitting devices to deter a musth wild elephant and its herd from a durian orchard.

•Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, apologized for public discomfort regarding the use of spark devices on the elephant Plai Sarika.
•The incident occurred as Plai Sarika, who was in musth, led over 20 elephants into a local durian orchard.
•Officials used non-explosive spark devices to distract the elephants without causing physical harm or auditory distress.
•A committee has been appointed by Khao Yai National Park to investigate the facts of the incident.

Overview

•On July 19, Facebook user Ju Tanya posted images of Plai Sarika being targeted with spark-emitting devices.
•Chaiya Huayhongthong apologized on July 20 for the discomfort caused by the images and explained the operational necessity.
•Sathaporn Theerawat stated that Plai Sarika has been in musth for two months, making the elephant more aggressive and less responsive to gentle deterrents.
•Officials from the rapid response team used devices that produce sparks without explosion sounds to stop Plai Sarika and a herd of over 20 elephants from entering a durian orchard.
•Chaiya Huayhongthong clarified that the proximity between officials and the elephant in the video was a result of camera angles and was actually within safety limits.
•Khao Yai National Park has appointed a committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident to ensure fairness to all parties.
•Khao Yai National Park will collaborate with wildlife academics to evaluate the movement of Plai Sarika daily and work with communities to manage attractant food sources.

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Key Quotes

Ju Tanya

"For what purpose?"

ทำเพื่อ

Key Entities

Person

Plai Sarika(พลายสาริกา)

A wild elephant of Khao Yai National Park that was in musth and led a herd into a durian orchard.

Ju Tanya

A Facebook user who posted images of the incident involving Plai Sarika.

Chaiya Huayhongthong(ชัยยา ห้วยหงษ์ทอง)

The head of Khao Yai National Park.

Sathaporn Theerawat(สถาพร ธีระวัฒน์)

The head of National Park Management Zone 6 who provided technical data on the elephant's behavior.

Organization

Khao Yai National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่)ℹ️

The national park authority responsible for managing Plai Sarika and the surrounding wildlife area.

National Park Management Zone 6(เขตจัดการอุทยานแห่งชาติที่ 6)

The administrative zone overseeing the management of the national park area.