Tourist Death in Thailand Sparks Debate on Elephant Welfare

Wed Apr 02 2025 15:14:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Tourist Death in Thailand Sparks Debate on Elephant Welfare

Spanish tourist killed in elephant encounter raises ethical concerns about Thailand's elephant tourism industry.


A Spanish tourist's tragic death due to an elephant attack in Thailand has ignited fresh discussions about the safety and ethics of elephant-related tourism, with animal rights advocates urging reforms.



A 22-year-old Spanish tourist named Blanca Ojanguren García tragically lost her life after an elephant in Thailand gored her during a bathing activity at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre. Following the incident, Thai authorities charged the elephant's caretaker, Theerayut Inthaphudkij, with negligence causing death. García, who was in the country on a holiday and was a student at Spain's University of Navarra, sustained fatal injuries after being struck by the elephant's tusk and died later in the hospital.

This incident has reignited concerns over the ethical implications and safety issues surrounding Thailand's elephant tourism sector, which contains nearly 3,000 elephants across various attractions according to World Animal Protection. Animal rights organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have long criticized the practices involved, arguing that activities such as elephant bathing disrupt the animals' natural behaviors and induce stress.

PETA senior vice president Jason Baker stated that these occurrences reveal significant risks for both visitors and elephants themselves, emphasizing that establishments permitting close interactions with elephants should not be labeled as sanctuaries. This tragic event is not isolated; there have been previous instances where mahouts were charged following similar attacks. For example, in 2017, an elephant's fatality led to charges of recklessness against its owner and the mahout involved.

In light of the incident, Spain's foreign minister confirmed that the Spanish consulate in Bangkok is working to support the family of the deceased tourist. As Thailand grapples with its tourism strategies and animal welfare standards, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human interest and animal rights in tourism.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:09:11 GMT

# Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand: Focus Turns to Building Collapse in Bangkok

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:09:11 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:46:14 GMT

Military Actions Escalate in Myanmar Amid Earthquake Relief Efforts

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:46:14 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:06:35 GMT

**A Race Against Time: Rescue Efforts in the Aftermath of Bangkok's Earthquake**

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:06:35 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:41:12 GMT

Richard Chamberlain, Icon of TV Drama, Passes Away at 90

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:41:12 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:23:46 GMT

Rescue Efforts Intensify as Myanmar Earthquake Aftermath Unfolds

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:23:46 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:14:07 GMT

# Earthquake Shakes Myanmar and Thailand: A Wake-Up Call for Structural Safety

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:14:07 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:12:52 GMT

Devastation in Myanmar and Thailand: Earthquake's Toll and Rescue Efforts

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:12:52 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:27:24 GMT

Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar: Devastation and Search for Survivors

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:27:24 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:07:20 GMT

Devastation Unfolds as 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:07:20 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:00:39 GMT

Urgent Rescue Efforts Underway as Thailand Faces Aftermath of Devastating Earthquake and Building Collapse

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:00:39 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:12:58 GMT

Residents Recount Devastation Following Earthquake in Myanmar

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:12:58 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:58:19 GMT

Major Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:58:19 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:08:28 GMT

Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar: At Least 20 Dead and Widespread Damage in Southeast Asia

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:08:28 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:40:44 GMT

**Tragedy Strikes: Submarine Incident Claims Six Lives in Red Sea**

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:40:44 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:37:16 GMT

F.B.I. Agents' Disturbing Conduct in Southeast Asia: Report Reveals Exploitation Issues

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:37:16 GMT
Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:36:54 GMT

Greenland's Transformation: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:36:54 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:58:07 GMT

Gene Hackman's Estate Raises Questions Following His and Wife's Deaths

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:58:07 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:09:06 GMT

The Hidden Costs of Domestic Work: Tragedies Faced by East African Women in Saudi Arabia**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:09:06 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:40:02 GMT

U.S. Imposes Visa Sanctions on Thai Officials for Deporting Uyghurs to China

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:40:02 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:07:08 GMT

Controversial US Influencer Exits Australia Following Wombat Incident

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:07:08 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.