Khao Yai National Park is taking action against a speeding driver within park boundaries who approached the wild elephant pair "Phor Ngathong" and "Ton Kla" at dangerously close range, causing them distress and risking an accident. The park has issued a summons for the driver to acknowledge the charges and stressed strict legal prosecution.
On 19 Sep 2026 GMT+7, an incident occurred where a private vehicle driver recklessly sped and came dangerously close to the wild elephant pair "Phor Ngathong" and "Ton Kla" on a traffic route inside Khao Yai National Park. This startled the baby elephant and created a risk of an accident.
Recently, Khao Yai National Park completed an investigation identifying the vehicle involved and issued a summons for the driver to acknowledge the charges for legal proceedings. The park affirmed its firm enforcement of the law to protect wildlife welfare and safety within the conservation area.
Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, stated that the park has formally notified the offender for approaching wild elephants closer than 50 meters. This behavior violates park regulations and constitutes several legal offenses, including wildlife harassment and failure to comply with official orders. He emphasized that all visitors and road users must strictly follow rules by stopping at least 50 meters from wild elephants, avoiding speeding, honking, or making loud noises, and strictly prohibiting parking close to take photos, as such actions pose life-threatening risks.
Going forward, Khao Yai National Park has ordered an increase in patrol staff and placement of personnel at risk points along tourist routes. Officials are instructed to immediately enforce legal measures upon detecting violations to prevent recurrence. The public witnessing offenses or dangerous behavior toward wildlife may report incidents directly to the park or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation hotline at 1362, available 24 hours.
Information courtesy of the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.