Thailand allocates $22 million to prevent wild elephant attacks

Ayutthaya, Mar 13 (EFE/EPA).- The Thai government approved the allocation of 749 million baht (approximately $22 million) to strengthen preventive measures and reduce wild elephant attacks, following the deaths of 39 people in 2024 due to elephant attacks.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation announced the approval of the budget on Thursday, coinciding with Thailand's National Elephant Day, to address and compensate for the damages caused by these mammals, especially in rural communities near their habitats.

The National Elephant Day has been observed annually on Mar. 13 since 1998 when it was established by the Thai government, in an effort to protect and conserve Thai elephants, who are part of the Asian elephant family classified as an endangered species. (Camera: RUNGROJ YONGRIT).

SHOT LIST: THAI BUDDHIST MONKS CHANT DURING A RELIGIOUS RITE BLESSING ELEPHANTS AND MAHOUTS; AND ELEPHANTS ENJOY VARIOUS FRUITS AND PLANTS DURING AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT ELEPHANT BUFFET TO MARK THE NATIONAL ELEPHANT DAY AT THE AYUTTHAYA ELEPHANT PALACE AND ROYAL KRAAL IN THE WORLD HERITAGE CITY OF AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND.