Elephant Master crushed to death at Camp in Jomtien

[Pattaya One]

An elephant master who had been caring for his 40 year old Elephant for 20 years died from a severe head trauma whilst bathing the elephant next to a concrete water tank. Police and rescue workers were called to the Elephant and Monkey Camp located in the Na-Jomtien area on Saturday morning and inspected the body of Khun Ponthep aged 44. He sustained a crushed skull and his right ear had been torn from his head. There were no witnesses to the incident, however blood stains and pieces of human skin were noticed on the side of the 2,000kg female elephant, called Tongbai. Fellow elephant masters confirmed the close relationship the victim had with his elephant over the 20 years but did suggest the victim may have been slung into the side of the concrete water tank or was possibly crushed as the elephant approached the tank. Monks were brought in to conduct a religious ceremony prior to the body of Khun Ponthep being removed from the elephant camp. A full investigation is now under-way to ensure there is no risk to fellow workers or tourists visiting the camp, before they will be allowed to re-open.

 

 

 

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[Gadget]

An Elephant never forgets.

[sinbad5]

The reason why I've never done an elephant ride in Thailand. All it takes is elephant accidentally losing its footing or making a sudden unexpected move and it's game over.

[SRA]

Yes those elephants are heavy creatures. I always steer clear of them.

[kgk]

I've been for 3 elephant rides in Thailand without any incident. After reading this story I will consider myself fortunate and refrain from any future rides.

[wjin]

That is a sad story. I've always been quite wary of elephants. Their sheer size is intimidating.

[JimmieBlonde]

Good idea not to ride Elephants. They are vicious animals to be avoided.

 

People often wonder why Koala's sleep for 20 hours a day, it's obviously not natural.

 

In Australia we dope the Koala's or Drop Bears as we call them, so they seem to sleep 20 hours a day, that way they are cute and cuddly and not the vicious ferocious animals they are in the wild.

 

 

[sinbad5]

Another keeper hurt by elephant, this one in Australia:

 

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/injured-keeper-believed-she-could-talk-to-the-animals-20121019-27wqm.html

[pattayavet30]

An Elephant never forgets.

 

[splitpin]

Friend of mine broke both his legs falling off and Elephant that bolted, was living in Thailand, but had to go back to the UK, I think he still is

[LaaMok]

I went to that place 5 years ago and the elephant stopped to eat and the keeper gave the elephant an almighty crack on the head, it ruined the ride completely and was disgusted.