Elephant kills mahout in Nong Plalai

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A Surin mahout died after being trampled by an elephant at a camp in Nong Plalai.

Saifon Sala-ngam, 36, died May 7 at Banglamung Hospital after being attacked at the Siam Chang Show 2 on Highway 36.

Owner of the pachyderm, Winai Sroysaeng, 27, said the 10-year-old cow named Hongyok was carrying two Chinese tourists when the jumbo went on a rampage and ran towards the mahout, who was taking photos of tourists.

The man flew about 5 meters and the elephant then stomped on him, leading to massive internal injuries. The two tourists fell off and sustained minor injuries.

Winai said Hongyok usually was a peaceful elephant and had never exhibited bad behavior before. He suspects the jumbo was agitated by the heat.

Police ordered the elephant camp to keep the pachyderm away from people until it could be examined by a specialist.