Phu Kradueng park closes after tourist tragedy with wild elephant
Phu Kradueng National Park will remain closed for the foreseeable future following a tragic incident involving a wild elephant that fatally attacked a tourist.
Officials have been instructed to ensure visitors exit the area promptly and have prohibited access until further notice.
The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved a wild elephant, reportedly in a state of musth (aggressive behaviour), returning repeatedly to the tourist area within the national park in Loei province.
In response to the situation, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), ordered the closure of Phu Kradueng National Park to tourists.
The decision aims to facilitate the safe evacuation of tourists, allowing wildlife officials and researchers to manage and control the elephant until the area is deemed safe again.
When questioned about the closure, Atthapol clarified that the restriction specifically applies to the Lang Pae area of Phu Kradueng.
The focus is on controlling the elephant responsible for the attack, which remains in the vicinity, posing a continued threat. As a result, tourists are being instructed to depart the area and are currently barred from ascending Phu Kradueng.
“Around 700 tourists are currently present in the park. Those who have already ascended will be allowed to stay overnight at Wang Kwang Visitor Centre before making their way down,” Atthapol said.
The duration of the closure remains uncertain, yet it is expected to extend until the situation is under control.
On December 16, Atthapol plans to visit Phu Kradueng National Park to hold a meeting regarding the broader issue of wildlife conflicts affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on wild elephants. This meeting will be conducted via video conference with representatives from various regions.
The goal is to establish effective measures for mitigating the impact of wildlife on human populations, particularly to the elephant situation across the country, reported KhaoSod.
Following the meeting, Atthapol, along with park officials and a team from the Wildlife Conservation Bureau, intends to visit Phu Kradueng to monitor the progress in resolving the wild elephant problem.
Additional discussions will cover preparations for wildfire prevention and addressing other environmental concerns within Phu Kradueng.
