Phuket

DNA tests for two more Phuket baby elephants

Published

7 years ago

May 13, 2013

DNA tests for two more Phuket baby elephants | The Thaiger

PHUKET: Officers raided two locations last week suspected of housing baby elephants illegally snatched from the wildand conducted DNA tests on the two animals to determine their parentage.

Officers suspect that the two elephants are the offspring of a wild elephant in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Both elephants had microchips in their ears and the necessary registration and transfer forms, but officers are suspicious because the documents were issued by the Muang Chaiyaphum District Office, which is suspected of issuing fraudulent papers, explained Col Watcharin Phusit from the Regional Natural Resources and Environment Crime Suppression Division.

“The DNA will be sent to Kaeng Krachan to be matched with DNA in herds there,” Col Watcharin told the Phuket Gazette.

The search last week comes in the wake of allegations of an elephant trafficking network operating on Phuket and after baby elephants were found to be missing from Kaeng Krachan National Park.

“We launched a nationwide investigation,” said Col Watcharin.

“Then at the Muang Chaiyaphum District Office we found registration papers for two baby elephants out of the 61 documents on file,” explained

“A Phang Nga man purchased both of the elephants for about 500,000 baht from Tabsakae District of Prachuap Khiri Khan and brought them down to Phuket,” Col Watcharin said.

One of the two elephants tracked down last week was at an elephant camp on Big Buddha hill, an area that took heat during a spate of baby elephant raids and subsequent DNA testing last year (story here).

Police suspect the two-year-old elephant housed at the camp is illegally owned.

“It did have a microchip embedded in its left ear, but its registration papers were from Muang Chaiyaphum District Office, so we took a blood sample and will look for a DNA match,” Col Watcharin said.

Also at the site police found and seized nine blank elephant registration documents and several microchips believed to be illegal.

The second elephant under investigation was found at the private home of Tassapol Laokom,54, in Sri Sunthon.

“Mr Tassapol had the registration documents for “Pimai”, and the elephant did have a microchip embedded in its ear. However, the registration documents were also issued by Muang Chaiyaphum District Office,” said Col Watcharin.

“I paid 800,000 baht for the elephant in Patong in 2011. I bought it because it had registration documents that made me believe it was legal,” Mr Tassapol told officers.

If the registration documents were illegally issued by Muang Chaiyaphum District Office, Col Watcharin confirmed that his office would take legal action by cancelling all fraudulent documents, seizing associated elephants, and transferring them to the national park.

The investigation last week follows the denial by Phuket’s head Livestock officer that tourism is the driving force behind an elephant-trafficking network supplying the animals for jungle tours.

Phuket Provincial Livestock Chief Weerasit Phutthipairote issued his denial after two other elephant raids – one on Big Buddha hill and one in Phang Nga, last week (story here).

The investigation into illegal elephants in Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi was ordered by the Central Investigation Bureau, explained Maj Gen Sriwara Rangsitprahmkul, who led the raid along with Col Watcharin.

Maj Gen Sriwara said that elephant-trafficking in Phuket had “become critical.”

This was denied, however, by Phuket Provincial Livestock Chief Weerasit Phutthipairote, who joined the raids.

“I believe the elephants in Phuket are not the product of an illegal-trading network, because the companies in Phuket use them for trekking tours and performances,” he explained.

“However, I cannot comment any further on the possibility of an illegal-elephant trading network in Phuket [serving other purposes],” he added.

During the raid on last Tuesday on Big Buddha hill, the investigation team identified 10 elephants they believe may have been illegally seized from the wild.

Officers seized one elephant identification microchip and nine elephant registration documents, which Gen Sriwara said would be handed over to the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office.

Chief Weerasit explained that that his office would establish whether or not the microchip and registration documents were forgeries.

The camp, which police refused to name, was targeted because it has a record of exchanging elephants with one of the camps raided in Phang Nga, explained Chief Weerasit.

— Kritsada Muenhawong

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Bangkok

Suspected British Coronavirus patient, confirmed NOT to have the virus – UPDATE

Published

13 hours ago

January 21, 2020

The Thaiger

PHOTO: Doctors have confirmed Mr Shorley doesn't have the Chinese Coronavirus - Go Fund Me

It’s now been confirmed that a British man, in critical condition in a Thai Hospital, has not contracted the Chinese Coronavirus. Ashley Shorley, who was holidaying on Koh Phi Phi at the time, became seriously ill with a “flu virus” on December 27. He was rushed by boat (reported as a sea plane in other media) to Phuket where his condition worsened. He is now reported to remain in critical condition in a Bangkok hospital.

However, doctors have now confirmed the 32 year old, from Lancashire in the north of England, does not have the Chinese virus. They have confirmed that the virus is “a severe strain of flu”.

It was initially reported that doctors feared he may have contracted the Chinese Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan and has been contracted by more than 250 people, along with 4 deaths from the new strain of virus.

Ashely’s parents, Chris and Julie, were on holiday in Spain when they received the news about their son being taken ill. They are now in Phuket with their son. While Ashley has medical insurance, his friends and family set up a crowdfunding page to help support the mounting costs during his stay in Thailand.

The mysterious SARS-like virus has so far killed 4 and infected up to 250 confirmed (as of Tuesday afternoon) cases.

Thai Visa reports that Ashley in the intensive care unit at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok.

SOURCE: Thai Visa

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Environment

32 year old British patient recovering in Phuket, suspected Coronavirus victim

Published

14 hours ago

January 21, 2020

The Thaiger

PHOTO: Ash Shorley remains in critical condition in a Phuket Hospital - Go Fund Me

UPDATE HERE.

A British tourist is reported to be fighting for his life in a Phuket hospital. He could be the first Western victim of the coronavirus strain sweeping through China, according to Doctors at the hospital, but is yet to be confirmed. This latest coronavirus, related to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) viruses, is new and was first discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan last month.

32 year old Ash Shorley remains in critical condition in a Phuket hospital after being infected with a virus while visiting Koh Phi Phi, in the Krabi province. He has been in hospital for nearly a month. His parents, Chris and Julie, who live in Lancashire, are now in Phuket whilst tests are being processed to determine the virus that has attacked Mr Shorley. His parents report that Ash has lost 52 kilograms since contracting the mystery disease.

“He was two days from death. If he wasn’t so fit, he wouldn’t be with us now. We are now waiting on tests. It is very serious.” – Ash Shorley’s father.

Ash was transported to Phuket by seaplane because “his lung had collapsed”, according to the Daily Mail Online. Phuket doctors claim his symptoms are consistent with the Chinese coronavirus but a confirmation on their suspicions is yet to emerge. Experts, speaking to Daily Mail Online, say Mr Shorley’s symptoms are consistent with the new Chinese coronavirus, but could also be a sign of other respiratory infections, as yet, undetermined.

The mysterious SARS-like virus has so far killed 3 and infected up to 220 confirmed (as of Tuesday) cases, although estimates by the WHO speculate that there are as many as 1,700 cases in Wuhan, central China, since December.

The virus is now confirmed to have spread to other parts of China – 5 cases in Beijing, 14 in Shenzhen and one in a province adjacent to Shanghai. Four other confirmed cases have been reported in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

The spike in reported cases comes as millions of Chinese are packing their bags to travel overseas for the Chinese New Year holiday. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the country has “stuck to a serious, earnest and professional attitude” to prevent and control any further outbreak of the disease.

SOURCE: Daily Mail Online

PHOTO: Instagram

GRAPHIC: Daily Mail Online

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Bangkok

The rise of the e-bicycle in Thailand, a bit of motorised assistance

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2020

The Thaiger

by Nicole Kash

Cycling tours offer a unique way to explore Thailand. Faster than walking but slower than driving, cycling tours cover plenty of ground while allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the sights, smells, and culture of Thailand without the boundary of a car window.

Cycling tours can cover up to a heart-pumping 150 kilometre a day. Though exciting for many, some find longer distances daunting, especially newer cyclists or those out of practice. This is where the e-bike has begun filling a unique gap in Thailand’s adventure tourism industry. Thanks to e-bikes, longer distance day tours and challenging multi-day cycling tours are no longer reserved for fitness fanatics.

Popular in the US and Europe, the e-bike has made its way to Thailand is now thriving within the Kingdom’s tourism industry. These motorised bicycles offer the option to assist cyclists with pedaling, which is especially useful for long distances and tough uphill climbs. Even with the help of the motor, cyclists still get plenty of exercise, as the pedal-assist system requires the rider to put some work in.

Unlike a scooter or motorbike, an e-bike does not run without the pedaling effort of the rider. They feature rechargeable batteries and an and off switch, allowing cyclists to challenge themselves as much as they’d like and get a little extra help when needed.

The option of swapping our traditional bikes for e-bikes on cycling tours offer more tourists the opportunity to join in on cycling tours than ever before, growing the number of potential clients for Thai adventure tourism companies while fostering a climate of inclusivity.

Looking to join in on the fun? Here’s a look into a few of the single-day and multi-day bicycle tours with e-bike options offered by Bangkok based SpiceRoads Cycling!

Road Cycling Bangkok to Phuket (10 days)

Starting in bustling Bangkok and ending in along Phuket’s sparkling coastline, this 10-day bicycle tour with e-bike options is the perfect mix of must-see sites and tucked away local spots all on smooth roads. Pedalling toward the scenic south, ride beyond the city lights and explore rural Thailand’s rich culture and welcoming villages while making stops at the east and west coast’s local beach spots along the way.

Rolling hills, golden sunsets, a real taste of local life, and of course serene sea views await you! This trip is fully supported with an air-conditioned van and riders can take a break and cool off while still enjoying the same views as the rest of the group.

Phuket Highlights (½ day)

Take a break from beach life to explore Phuket’s unique and often overlooked old town on this ½ day bicycle tour with e-bike options. We start on the town’s peripheral, exploring Koh Sirey’s community of sea gypsies and on to see and smell the fresh catch of the day as locals bid for the best deals at the fishing port.

Then we head downtown to admire Phuket Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture, Jui Tui Shrine museum, and unique shops by bike. This leisurely 27 kilometre tour ends with a drive to stunning Khao Khad viewpoint for a scenic sea view and bird’s eye view over where we have ridden.

Kanchanaburi Explorer (3 days)

Immerse yourself in Kanchanaburi’s natural beauty and historic sites on this 3 day bicycle tour with e-bike options. Cycle along country roads and through local villages, enjoying mountain views and the thrill off jungle clad and dirt trails along the way.

Then explore off the bike, boarding a local train for a stunning train ride on Death Railway, visiting the historic and dark Hellfire Pass, and taking an optional boat trip to visit a Mon village. A diverse itinerary combining Kanchanburi’s stunning natural sites with stops at historical must-sees on a mix of tarmac and dirt trails assures you will never get bored on this 102 kilometre bicycle tour!