Picturesque Thailand, more specifically the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, has been facing an unexpected struggle, all thanks to a wandering wild elephant with quite a reputation. Famously known by the locals as “Phlai Chao Nga,” this rogue elephant has wandered away from its natural abode within the boundaries of Tai Rom Yen National Park, causing significant disruption in the local communities.
The disruption was so immense that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) was handed a new directive by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The verdict from the court was clear – capture and reposition Phlai Chao Nga within a strict time limit of 15 days. This edict comes in the wake of substantial damage caused to the agricultural fields by the wandering elephant in the Nop Phi Tham district. The Court’s order, released on a balmy Friday, places the responsibility of this sizable task directly on the shoulders of the director-general of the DNP.
The cataclysm began back in January when Phlai Chao Nga wandered into the village in his relentless pursuit of food, causing dismay among the settlers. A local villager from tambon Krung Ching, Saksit Aoysawat, noteworthy for his initiative, called attention to the elephant’s disruptive behavior. He stressed the fact that the implemented measures by the DNP to prevent the giant mammal from leaving the forest had repeatedly proven ineffective. The DNP’s previous order to the officers stationed in the Protected Area Regional Office 5 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which called for the capture and relocation of the elephant into park’s confines, had seen little success.
While the sight of the beautiful creature venturing in and out of the village brought intrigue to some, the villagers weren’t particularly delighted. Despite Phlai Chao Nga causing no harm to any individuals as such, the devastation inflicted on the farming lands has been substantial. This has sparked concerns about potential, and perhaps, greater threats to the local communities in the future.
In response to these allegations, the court heard testimonies from about 25 local villagers, all victims of the elephant’s wandering escapades. Representatives from the Park gave their statements, painting a vivid picture of the scenario. Eventually, the court passed its judgement against the DNP, setting a 15-day deadline for the capture and repositioning of the elephant, as was covered by Bangkok Post. The verdict marked a new chapter in this particular tale.
The court went a step ahead and suggested an alternative spot for Phlai Chao Nga’s relocation. As opposed to the original plan of moving the elephant to the Khlong Nga Wildlife Sanctuary within the Tai Rom Yen National Park, the new directives indicated a transfer to the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Surat Thani. This new relocation spot was a result of apprehensions voiced by many villagers regarding proximity of the original choice to their residential settlement. The Sanctuary in Surat Thani seems to be a more promising alternative, thanks to its designation as a ‘problematic wild elephants’ zone by the Elephant Conservation and Management Committee, established by the cabinet last year.
In this fascinating tale of man versus wild, the court has brought about a change that seeks to safeguard both human communities and wildlife habitats. Only time will tell if this proves to be a viable solution for the wandering Phlai Chao Nga and the affected villagers of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Stay tuned!
Follow us, as this story unfolds, in the stunning landscape of Thailand, wherein men and wild elephants are finding ways of cohabitation. We promise to update you on the progress of this unique situation that is unfolding in the mesmerising nation of the East.
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