Nong Bua Lamphu —
At 8:30 PM on January 18th, 2025, chaos erupted at the Nong Bua Lamphu Red Cross Fair when one of two elephants brought to the event panicked due to fireworks being set off nearby.
The startled elephant reportedly charged through the crowd, injuring five people, before fleeing into a forest about two kilometers from the fairgrounds.
The elephants were reportedly brought to the fair by local vendors to help sell food for donations, but the commotion caused one to stampede. Emergency responders transported the injured to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital, and authorities quickly secured the other elephant. Luckily, none of those injured were serious and all were expected to fully recover.
Police arrested the elephant’s owner, Mr. Rattanachai (whose last name was withheld by the police), and two associates for further questioning following the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed the group who brought the elephants, led by Rattanachai, lacked proper permits for transporting the elephants and failed to notify local livestock officials. Police are coordinating with veterinary authorities to proceed with further legal action based on these findings.
Further legal charges are also pending interviews with witnesses and injured parties, two of whom have already met with investigators.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
