A wild bull elephant fatally attacked a tourist at Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park this week — the third known death reportedly linked to the same animal, according to multiple outlets.
The man, described as being in his 60s, was walking near his tent on Monday, Feb. 2, when the elephant attacked him, Agence France-Presse, the Bangkok Post and Khaosod English reported.
The victim, identified as Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn, was grabbed by the elephant’s trunk, slammed to the ground and then stomped on, the Bangkok Post reported. Rescue workers and a doctor later examined him and found he had broken limbs and other injuries, the paper added.
His wife, who was with him at the time, managed to escape after park rangers drove the elephant away, national park official Chaiya Huayhongthong told AFP.
Officials said the animal has been linked to multiple fatal incidents. Huayhongthong told AFP the elephant may have killed more people beyond the three deaths cited in reports.
Authorities are now weighing next steps, according to reports. “We will probably decide to relocate him or change his behaviour,” Huayhongthong told AFP.
Wildlife officials have also highlighted the broader risk posed by human-elephant encounters in Thailand. More than 220 people — including tourists — have been killed by wild elephants since 2012, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said, AFP reported.
