19-1-2025 (BANGKOK) A night of festivities turned to chaos at a Red Cross fair in northeastern Thailand when an illegally present elephant, startled by fireworks, charged through crowds, leaving five people injured and its owner facing criminal charges.
The incident unfolded on Saturday evening at the King Naresuan Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Nong Bua Lamphu Red Cross fair, where the elephant’s owner had brought the animal to solicit donations from fairgoers, despite earlier warnings from officials.
According to witnesses, the elephant, named Plai Khun Thong, became distressed when organisers launched fireworks, causing it to panic and flee through the fairground. Social media footage captured the dramatic moment when the frightened pachyderm knocked down and stepped over a mother and daughter, whilst mahouts desperately attempted to regain control.
Provincial Governor Surasak Aksornkul revealed that authorities had previously ordered the owner to remove the elephant from the premises earlier that day, citing safety concerns. However, the owner, identified only as Ratanchai, defiantly returned with the animal in the evening.
“The elephant was typically well-behaved and rarely showed signs of distress,” Ratanchai claimed in his defence. Nevertheless, his actions have resulted in serious legal consequences.
Dejsuwan Srihom, an official from the local Livestock Development Office, has filed formal charges against Ratanchai for transporting an elephant without proper authorisation. The offence carries penalties of up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 20,000 baht.
The five injured individuals, who were treated at the provincial hospital for minor injuries and later discharged, have also filed police complaints against the owner.
Following a two-kilometre pursuit, authorities located the elephant in Ban Na Kae village and transported it to the Mueang Police Station aboard a six-wheel lorry, where it remains while legal proceedings commence.
