BANGKOK (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – A tragic incident occurred in Thailand when an elephant, used for begging for food and money, fatally trampled its owner.
Reports indicate that the elephant may have attacked out of distress over the perceived separation from her calf.
A 17-second video clip posted on February 7 by 3Plus News on Facebook captured the harrowing moment. The footage shows an adult elephant charging at an individual off-screen near a roadside in Nakhon Sawan province, located in lower northern Thailand.
In the video, two men can be seen rushing to assist a woman who is lying on the ground, while also attempting to keep the elephant at bay.
According to the Pattaya Mail, the woman who tragically lost her life in the incident was identified by police as Janthira Chuenlam, aged 35, who was reported to be the owner of the elephant.
Nattaphak Piluek, 18, who recorded the video used by 3Plus News, told the Pattaya Mail he saw the elephant being accompanied by Jathira and her husband, as well as six others.
They were begging for food and money, he said.
He said everything seemed normal when the elephant, after being handed money and a tiny bell was rung, suddenly became agitated and then violently charged at Janthira.
Another witness, Tippawan Kawiwon, 28, said Janthira had been leading the elephant along an alley, as her husband was hawking items by a roadside a few paces away along with the elephant’s calf.
It was suggested in news reports that the elephant could have been triggered by not seeing her calf or by the bell.
Kamrai Mokkasak, 48, head of the Mahaphot Rescue and Disaster Relief Association, said Jathira died after the elephant stomped on her chest, causing her lungs to collapse.
Jathira and the two elephants were transported back to Surin province, some 500km away.
Jatesada Ong-Art, the provincial livestock officer of Nakhon Sawan, said using elephants to beg violates several laws in Thailand.
