Khao Yai National Park clarifies the controversy over the dispersal of 'Phlai Sarika' elephant, explaining the elephant was in musth. The park confirms the use of spark effects was conducted at a safe distance and commits to refining operational methods for better suitability and safety.
Following online criticism of photos and videos showing officials dispersing 'Phlai Sarika,' a wild elephant near Ban Sarika, Village 3, at the entrance to Sarika Waterfall, Sarika Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok Province, on 12 July 2026.
On 20 July 2026, Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, issued a statement clarifying the facts and apologized to the public who were unsettled by the images.
The park chief explained that the person in the video using the spark device was a rapid response officer monitoring wild elephants. The apparently close distance between the officer and elephant in the footage was due to camera angle distortion; the actual operational distance remained within safe limits throughout the event. The park thanked public feedback and will use it to improve communication and clarify operational protocols.
Additionally, Khao Yai National Park has appointed a committee to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the matter to ensure clarity and fairness for all parties. The investigation results will be disclosed and used to improve future operational procedures.
Mr. Sathaporn Theerawat, head of National Park Management Area 6, provided expert information stating that officials have continuously dispersed Phlai Sarika. However, over the past two months, the elephant has been in musth, leading to increased aggression, reduced environmental awareness, and a greater tendency to confront obstacles. Gentle dispersal methods or light barriers that previously worked may no longer suffice.
On the day of the incident, Phlai Sarika led more than 20 wild elephants into local durian orchards, causing damage and posing risks to community safety. Since Phlai Sarika was in musth with heightened aggression, officials urgently needed to disperse the herd from community areas swiftly to prevent further damage and reduce risks to life and property.
As the elephants approached the community, officials chose to use the spark device instead of loud noise devices to avoid causing panic or harming the elephants' hearing. The device produced brief visual sparks at a safe distance to divert the elephants and halt their advance. Officials confirmed that no physical injuries or harm occurred to the elephants.
The park has appointed a committee to investigate the incident thoroughly and has instructed operational teams and related staff to adjust their methods appropriately. Emphasis will be on early monitoring, daily risk assessment, and tracking of Phlai Sarika’s movements with wildlife experts, as well as increasing cooperation with communities to manage attractant food sources to minimize elephants leaving forest areas.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page 'Here is Nakhon Nayok' shared a message from the Mueang Nakhon Nayok District Office, which posted a clarification stating, “Regarding this case, the district chief has investigated the facts jointly with the head of Khao Yai National Park and would like to present the following information and facts.”
1) Regarding the incident, we express our sincere regret and apology to the public for the officials' conduct, which may have been inappropriate and caused discomfort. Relevant agencies will review, investigate, and improve operational procedures, and provide training to officials to prevent errors and ensure proper, appropriate, and scientifically sound practices going forward.
2) However, we would like to clarify that on the day of the incident, volunteer officials from Khao Yai National Park found Phlai Sarika in musth heading toward the village. They acted to redirect the elephant back to the forest to prevent it from approaching the community. They used a cool spark device that produces only visual sparks without sound, throwing it at a safe distance from the elephant to encourage it to change direction. Investigations confirmed that Phlai Sarika did not suffer any injury or harm from the incident.
The Mueang Nakhon Nayok District Office and Khao Yai National Park apologize for the images that may have caused public misunderstanding or discomfort and will instruct officials to act with caution, care, and appropriateness, prioritizing public safety alongside the welfare of wild elephants.”