Khao Yai National Park clarifies 'Plai Sarika' elephant push

Khaosod•Society•21h ago

Reader Briefing

Khao Yai National Park officials used spark devices to push the wild elephant Plai Sarika and its herd away from a community in Nakhon Nayok.

•Khao Yai National Park pushed Plai Sarika and over 20 other elephants out of a durian orchard in Sarika Subdistrict, Nakhon Nayok, on July 12, 2026.
•The use of spark devices was necessitated by Plai Sarika being in musth, making the elephant more aggressive and less responsive to gentle methods.
•Khao Yai National Park has appointed a committee to investigate the facts of the incident following online criticism.

Overview

•On July 12, 2026, officials pushed Plai Sarika and over 20 other wild elephants out of a durian orchard in Sarika Subdistrict, Nakhon Nayok.
•Sathaporn Teerawat stated Plai Sarika was in musth for the past 2 months, increasing aggression and reducing environmental awareness.
•Officials and volunteers used spark devices instead of loud noise devices to avoid startling the elephants or damaging their hearing.
•Chaiya Huayhongthong stated that the perceived proximity between officials and the elephant in clips was due to camera angles and that safety standards were maintained.
•The operation aimed to prevent widespread damage to residents' property and reduce risks to lives and assets.
•Khao Yai National Park has appointed a committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the event to ensure fairness for all parties.
•Khao Yai National Park will adjust communication methods, evaluate Plai Sarika's movement daily with wildlife academics, and cooperate with the community to manage food attractants.

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Key Entities

Organization

Khao Yai National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่)ℹ️

The organization responsible for managing the park and handling the push of Plai Sarika.

National Park Management Zone 6(เขตจัดการอุทยานแห่งชาติที่ 6)

The management zone overseeing the area where the incident occurred.

Place

Plai Sarika(พลายสาริกา)

A wild elephant that entered a community area and was in musth.

Ban Sarika, Moo 3, entrance to Sarika Waterfall, Sarika Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok(บ้านสาริกา ม.3 ทางเข้าน้ำตกสาริกา ต.สาริกา อ.เมือง จ.นครนายก)

The location where Plai Sarika and other elephants entered a durian orchard.

Person

Chaiya Huayhongthong(นายชัยยา ห้วยหงษ์ทอง)

Head of Khao Yai National Park.

Sathaporn Teerawat(นายสถาพร ธีระวัฒน์)

Head of National Park Management Zone 6.