Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, is spearheading efforts to address the wild elephant issue in Thailand, with the National Committee implementing five critical measures. The committee is accelerating the 2026 budget, allocating over 595 million baht to propel the "Quick Big Win" project, focusing on relief, rehabilitation, and population control.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart, alongside Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, recently met with Mr. Anan Preedasutthichit, Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives' Special Committee, to discuss sustainable approaches to resolving wild elephant issues. This meeting aimed at devising strategies for mitigating the wild elephant problem while providing relief to affected communities.
Mr. Suchart emphasized that tackling the wild elephant issue is a "national agenda" requiring swift and systematic action to balance wildlife conservation with public safety. He highlighted the need for integrated work across various levels, from spatial planning to legal advocacy, ensuring timely assistance for the public.
Thailand is home to an estimated 4,200-4,700 wild elephants across 70 conservation areas, with significant challenges occurring in five key forest complexes. These areas have seen a decrease in injuries and deaths among the elephant population during the 2021 fiscal year, yet damage to agriculture and property remains a pressing concern.
The committee's five measures include expediting compensation payments, developing ecotourism in elephant areas, promoting a draft law for donations to fund conservation, studying barrier designs, and accelerating the monitoring of birth control vaccines for population management.
Mr. Atthapol outlined the department's proactive actions, including establishing a center to aid those affected by wild elephants and a Wild Elephant Conservation Office. A National Action Plan for 2021-2029 has been formulated, focusing on warning systems, habitat management, research, and population control.
The 'Quick Big Win' project aims for short-term tangible results, such as restoring habitats, enhancing monitoring teams, developing an AI-driven early warning system, and creating a streamlined One Stop Services system for public assistance.
The Department of National Parks has secured a budget of over 595 million baht for 2026, supporting operations like surveillance, behavior modification centers, birth control vaccines, monitoring networks, and the acquisition of operational vehicles.
In the Eastern Forest Complex, significant efforts have been made in planting wildlife food crops, improving grasslands, and installing early warning systems. An additional 10 million baht is being requested for further compensation and assistance.
Mr. Suchart reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the wild elephant problem comprehensively, aiming for a harmonious coexistence between people and elephants while balancing conservation with improving citizens' quality of life.