In Nakhon Sawan province, Thailand, a woman lost her life last Tuesday when she was fatally injured by an elephant used for street performances to earn money. The incident, documented by a family familiar with the elephant, showed the owner running in fear as the animal reacted to ringing bells. Janthira Chuenlam, 35, sustained severe chest injuries and, despite intervention efforts, did not survive.
The female elephant, separated from its calf by the owner, displayed no aggressive behavior before or after the attack. Nakhon Sawan Provincial Livestock Officer Jatesada Ong-Art, in an official statement, emphasized multiple legal violations in the incident. He underscored the inappropriateness of using elephants, considered pets and cultural heritage in Thailand, for street begging activities.