NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — 21 September 2026, The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) has warned of severe penalties for people who harm or threaten wildlife following an incident in which a retired government official allegedly drove at high speed and nearly hit two wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park.
Dr. Satit Prachayaariyakul, secretary-general and director of the TSPCA and an expert member of the Committee on Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare, spoke about the case involving “Ngathong,” a bull elephant, and his calf “Ton Kla.”
According to the TSPCA, the retired official drove into close proximity to the elephants as they were crossing a road inside Khao Yai National Park. The incident startled the calf, causing it to run away, while the vehicle nearly collided with Ngathong. Tourists in the area were also forced to jump out of the way.
Satit said incidents involving wild elephants in Khao Yai have become increasingly frequent and have drawn public attention to how to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable wildlife welfare.
He cited an earlier case in which firecrackers were thrown at a wild elephant named Salika. Such conduct may fall under Section 19(3) of the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019), which prohibits luring, driving away or causing harm to wildlife in national parks.
Under Section 43 of the same law, offenders can face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both, according to the TSPCA.
The authority to investigate the facts and take legal action lies with officials of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Regarding the Ngathong and Ton Kla incident, Satit said Khao Yai National Park officials, led by park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong, had issued a summons to the driver after an investigation identified the person involved.
The driver, identified as a retired government official, has been summoned to acknowledge several alleged offenses, including violating regulations prohibiting people from approaching wild elephants within 50 meters, threatening wildlife and failing to comply with an official’s order.
The TSPCA and its animal welfare network organizations will continue to monitor cases involving both domestic and wild animals, Satit said.
The organizations also aim to strengthen animal protection and welfare measures and reduce animal cruelty in Thailand in a sustainable manner, with the goal of improving both animal and human welfare.