Target: Narongchai Chitthanawat, Director-General, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Thailand
Goal: Ensure that, if the evidence supports the allegations, the individual responsible for allegedly throwing an explosive firecracker at a wild elephant is prosecuted under Thailand’s animal welfare and wildlife protection laws.
The blast reportedly lasted only a moment. The fear it may have caused could last much longer.
According to publicly reported information, a widely shared social media video shows an elephant-monitoring volunteer throwing an explosive firecracker toward Plai Salika, a well-known wild elephant inside Khao Yai National Park. The device apparently detonated dangerously close to the animal, exposing the elephant to intense acoustic trauma, severe stress, and the risk of physical injury.
Wildlife veterinarians continue monitoring Plai Salika for possible behavioral changes or delayed medical complications while park authorities review the available evidence. The volunteer’s monitoring credentials have been suspended as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the nature of the explosive device. A formal request for investigation has already been submitted, but the matter remains in its preliminary stages, and no court has determined criminal liability.
Intentionally exposing a wild elephant to an explosive device represents far more than a lapse in judgment. Wildlife entrusted to protected national parks should never be subjected to conduct capable of causing fear, injury, or long-term behavioral harm. A thorough investigation and meaningful legal accountability would reinforce that protected wildlife must be treated with respect and that reckless actions toward wild animals carry serious consequences.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director-General Chitthanawat,
The incident involving the elephant Plai Salika has alarmed wildlife advocates both in Thailand and abroad. Investigators are reviewing video footage after an elephant-monitoring volunteer allegedly threw an explosive firecracker that detonated near the animal, potentially placing the elephant’s health and welfare at risk.
Wildlife veterinarians continue observing the elephant while investigators assess witness statements, electronic evidence, and the characteristics of the explosive device. Those allegations remain subject to judicial determination and should be evaluated through a complete and impartial investigation.
Please ensure that, if the evidence ultimately supports the allegations, the suspended volunteer is prosecuted to the fullest extent of Thailand’s wildlife and animal protection laws. Protected wild animals deserve safety from acts that endanger their well-being and undermine conservation efforts.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: R. M. Calamar
