Mahout charged after Italian tourists injured from elephant attack

A mahout has been charged after an elephant attacked an Italian tourist in Phang Nga yesterday. Phang Nga livestock officials say the elephant was too young for elephant rides.

A 29 year old Italian tourist, and his 31 year old travel companion, remain in Phang Nga hospital this morning following the elephant attack yesterday.

Read more about the attack HERE.

Chief of Phang Nga Livestock Saroj Jittakarn says, “The elephant has not reached maturity where it fully capable of carrying passengers. The incident happened as the elephant is not familiar with elephant rides with tourists. This incident is an indication of the risks involved.”

“Female elephants are more suitable for elephant rides but there is not enough elephant rides available in Phang Nga due to the rise in tourist numbers. Some untrained elephants are currently being used.”

Thung Ka Ngok Deputy Chief Police Lt Col Siriwat Inyim says, “26 year old Kanjanapong Karnwijit, the mahout of the elephant named ‘Tanwa’, has been charged with a reckless act causing serious injury.”

“We are questioning the owner of the elephant camp as we continue our investigation.”