Target: Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Thailand
Goal: Investigate the retired official accused of dangerously approaching a wild elephant and calf at high speed, pursue charges if warranted, and strengthen vehicle controls on elephant corridors.
A wild bull elephant named Ngathong and a young calf, Ton Kla, were crossing a road inside Khao Yai National Park when witnesses say an off-road vehicle approached them aggressively at high speed. The vehicle reportedly came dangerously close to the calf, prompting visible distress and defensive behavior from the adult elephant.
Park authorities reportedly identified the driver as a retired government official through vehicle registration information and checkpoint records. Investigators are reviewing dashboard and other evidence to determine exactly what occurred. The driver has not been convicted or formally found responsible for violating wildlife protection laws, and the allegations remain under investigation.
Wild elephants should never be placed at risk by reckless or intimidating vehicle behavior inside a protected national park. Authorities should preserve all available video, checkpoint, witness, and vehicle data and determine whether the driver’s alleged conduct violated Thailand’s wildlife or animal welfare laws. If sufficient evidence supports charges, prosecute the case and impose meaningful penalties following conviction.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director-General Charoenchansa,
Witnesses report that an off-road vehicle approached bull elephant Ngathong and young Ton Kla at high speed as the animals crossed a road inside Khao Yai National Park. The vehicle reportedly came dangerously close to the calf, causing distress and defensive posturing from the adult elephant.
Park authorities have say they have identified the driver through registration and checkpoint records, but responsibility has not been established. Please ensure investigators thoroughly examine dashboard data, witness accounts, park surveillance, checkpoint information, and every other relevant record before determining whether wildlife protection laws were violated.
If the evidence establishes criminal or regulatory wrongdoing, pursue appropriate charges and meaningful penalties. Strengthen speed enforcement, barriers, warning systems, and temporary road controls along known elephant crossings so protected wildlife is not endangered by irresponsible driving inside the park.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Carlos Delgado
