It is reported that Thai authorities are preparing to bring back two elephants that were gifted to Sri Lanka. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, stated that the Thai government is considering the repatriation of these two elephants, following pressure from animal rights activists in Thailand.
The Minister of Environment informed the media that his ministry is in communication with the Thai authorities to assure them that the two elephants are being well-monitored and are safe in Sri Lanka. “This could be a politically motivated protest in Thailand. Certain groups have been staging protests in front of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok. We have deployed veterinarians to examine the health condition of these elephants and provide a report,” the Minister further stated.
Previously, a 29-year-old Thai elephant named ‘Muthu Raja’ (Sak Surin)—who had been gifted to Sri Lanka by the Thai Royal Family in 2001 for the purpose of carrying sacred relics during religious processions—was taken back to Thailand.
Following a diplomatic dispute sparked by allegations of neglect and foot injuries, the elephant was transported back to Thailand by air on July 2, 2023.