KHAO YAI, THAILAND – A foreign visitor allegedly flew a drone so close to a wild elephant herd in Khao Yai National Park that the animals fled in panic, in clear violation of Thai regulations.
Drone flight at mineral lick sparked herd’s flight
The incident took place on 21 January at the Tung Kwang mineral lick, a well-known site where animals ingest mineral-rich soil. Several videos of the episode spread rapidly on Thai social media, clearly showing one elephant breaking away from the herd and fleeing into the forest. The disturbance was reportedly triggered by the loud buzzing and threatening proximity of a drone operated by a foreign man in a white T‑shirt, whose Suzuki car was parked by the roadside.
Witnesses describe panic among elephants
Witnesses stated that the man flew the drone directly above the elephant herd, prompting an immediate and visible reaction from the animals. Elephants are sensitive and powerful wild creatures and, in a panic, can attack people or flee onto roads, where deadly collisions with vehicles may occur. The Thai online community reacted with outrage and sympathy for the distressed animals, with loud calls for harsh punishment of the alleged offender.
Strict rules on drones in Thai national parks
Flying drones in Thai national parks was strictly prohibited unless expressly authorised by the park director and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). For commercial filming, additional permits from the National Park Authority and the payment of fees were required. According to the reports, the foreign visitor knowingly ignored all of these regulations, while park authorities had not yet issued an official statement and investigations were ongoing.
Second viral video shows motorcyclist in elephant herd
Around the same time, another viral video surfaced showing a motorcyclist riding directly through a crossing elephant herd inside the park. The user who shared the footage claimed the rider was also a foreigner, though this had not been officially confirmed. Both incidents pointed to a worrying pattern of reckless behaviour towards Thailand’s protected wildlife.
Possible fines, jail and blacklisting
If identified and arrested, the drone operator could face a substantial fine, and in serious cases even a prison sentence. He also risked being placed on the immigration authority’s blacklist, leading to a ban on entering Thailand. A moment of thoughtless curiosity might therefore prove very costly for the visitor and may have caused lasting stress to the animals.
Warning to tourists to respect protected areas
The case was described as a urgent reminder to all visitors that Thailand’s national parks were protected areas, not theme parks. The rules existed to safeguard both visitors and animals, and anyone who ignored them endangered themselves and damaged the fragile ecosystem. Tourists were urged to respect nature, keep their distance and follow rangers’ instructions so that Thailand’s wild beauty would remain preserved for everyone.