Elephant caretaker groups cancels protest plan in Bangkok

AYUTTHAYA, March 11 (TNA) -- Thai elephant caretaker network from across the nation announced earlier today that it would cancel the march of 100 elephants into the capital city of Bangkok to the Government House to protest against the Phaya Sua or Tiger King task force on Monday. Owner of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal and president of Phra Kotchaban Foundation Laithongrian Meephan said that elephant caretakers nationwide have agreed to cancel the bringing in of 100 elephants to protest at the Government House on the National Elephant Day or March 13, in response to the government and security agency's pleas that the moving of the elephants would cause further traffic difficulties in the capital. He said the government has promised that it would take a look at the complaints provide by the elephant caretakers network thoroughly. Mr Laithongrian stressed once again that no elephants would be traveling into the capital, and all mahouts would make merits at their own sanctuary. He noted the network would like the government to consider the role of the head of the Tiger King task force under the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Mr Laithongrien recently presided over a meeting of representatives from various elephant camps from across the country, which had resolved to establish a club for “anti-corruption, animal rights protection, promotion for National Parks Department reform and the eradication of evil. Most of the participants were dissatisfied with the Tiger King's operations, which comprised of the inspection of the state elephant DNA bank and the seizure of elephants whose characteristics did not match identification documents. (TNA)