Image published by Thailand’s Wildlife Protection Agency on January 28, 2026, showing a herd of wild elephants in Trat province, Thailand.
A tourist was killed in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand after being trampled by an elephant, becoming the third human victim of the same animal, according to park officials on Monday.
The park director stated that the Thai tourist (65 years old) was walking with his wife in the morning when he was trampled by an elephant named Oiwan.
He reported that the tourist’s wife managed to escape after park rangers scared the elephant away, noting that this is “the third person Oiwan has caused the death of,” without ruling out the possibility that the animal may be behind other fatalities whose causes of death are not yet clear.
Wild elephants have killed more than 220 people
He announced that the relevant authorities will discuss the elephant’s fate on Friday. He said, “We may decide to relocate it to another place or modify its behavior,” without going into details.
An elephant caused the death of a Spanish tourist in a sanctuary in southern Thailand in January 2025. Wild elephants have killed more than 220 people, including tourists, since 2012, according to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
– While bathing.. elephant kills Spanish tourist in Thailand
The number of wild elephants in Thailand has risen from 334 in 2015 to about 800 last year, prompting authorities to sterilize females with contraceptive vaccines in an effort to slow their rapid population growth.
Elephant Oiwan
Elephant Oiwan is a natural rock formation in Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge National Park, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Liwu River. It was formed over millions of years by the erosive force of the river cutting through the marble canyon. The site is a notable landmark within the traditional territory of the indigenous Truku people.
Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian nation with a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which established Theravada Buddhism and distinctive cultural traditions. It is unique in the region for never having been colonized by a European power, maintaining its monarchy and cultural identity throughout its history. Today, it is renowned globally for its ornate temples, vibrant cuisine, and tropical beaches.
Trat province
Trat is a southeastern Thai province bordering Cambodia, historically significant for its role in maritime trade and as a territory ceded to France in 1904. It was returned to Thailand in 1907 in exchange for other concessions, with the province today being known for its coastal islands like Koh Chang and its agricultural production of fruits such as rambutan.
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. It protects one of the largest intact monsoon forests in mainland Asia, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, and hundreds of bird species.
Thailand’s Wildlife Protection Agency
Thailand’s Wildlife Protection Agency, known as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), is the primary government body responsible for conserving the country’s natural heritage. It was formally established in 2002, building upon earlier conservation efforts and legislation like the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 1992. The agency manages national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and enforces laws against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is the government agency responsible for managing the country’s protected areas. It was established in 2002, consolidating earlier agencies to oversee national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation efforts. The DNP administers over 100 national parks, protecting Thailand’s diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
