Thai police have charged mahout Theerayut Inthaphudkij, 38, with negligence causing death after a 45-year-old female elephant, Phang Somboon, fatally injured Spanish tourist Blanca Ojanguren García, 22, during a bathing activity at Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre.
García suffered a fatal head injury and died in the hospital, renewing criticism of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry. Activists argue such interactions stress elephants and endanger both humans and animals.
García, a law student from Spain living in Taiwan on exchange, had been traveling with her boyfriend. Spain’s foreign ministry is assisting her family. Similar charges have been brought in past incidents involving elephants in Thailand.
NB – A mahout is a person who works with, trains, and cares for elephants, typically in South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, mahouts form a close bond with the elephant they oversee, often starting from a young age. Their responsibilities include feeding, bathing, and guiding the elephant, as well as training it for various tasks such as transportation, logging, or tourism activities. The role of a mahout is deeply rooted in culture and tradition but has become controversial due to concerns over the ethical treatment of elephants, particularly in industries like tourism.
