KANCHANABURI, Thailand – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa visited Kanchanaburi on August 3, 2026, to assess the care of the male wild elephant Sido Thong Muan and a rescued calf at Sai Yok National Park. The delegation was welcomed by Kanchanaburi Governor Warittha Sanguansermsri, Protected Area Regional Office 3 Director Rachan Buatree, Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary Chief Suttichai Phophukheaw, and Sai Yok National Park Superintendent Peera Puangmalee.
The Minister directed the department to strengthen veterinary teams by providing additional equipment, medical supplies, and resources. Treatment must meet professional standards, ensuring adequate medicine, food, and water. Agencies were also instructed to restrict access to operational areas, coordinate with specialists, provide accurate public information, and prioritize both elephant welfare and the safety of officials and local communities. Sido Thong Muan, approximately 50 years old and weighing about 4,000 kilograms, was first found with an injured left hind leg near Ban Salop in Bo Phloi District on June 27, 2026. He received four treatments in June and July.
His condition remained stable from July 25 to 31. While he could not stand independently, his food intake and waste elimination improved. Blood tests showed reduced inflammation and better kidney function, though muscle injury indicators remained high and anemia worsened. Veterinarians continue to adjust his treatment. Meanwhile, the elephant calf is receiving formula and frozen elephant milk donated by several elephant camps while awaiting health and viral screening results. If medically cleared, officials may place the calf with a foster elephant before considering reunification with its herd, long-term rehabilitation, release into the wild, or care at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. (NNT)
