Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province will reopen on Monday, ten days after it was closed following a fatal elephant attack, Attapon Charoenchansa, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, said today.
Stricter safety measures will be enforced to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and visitors will be required to attend a safety briefing before entering the park, including instructions on how to protect themselves from attacks by animals, he said, adding that more officials and staff will be deployed and they will be better prepared and equipped.
Drills will also be conducted to ensure readiness, in case a visitor is injured by an animal.
An elephant attacked and killed a 49-year-old Thai tourist on December 11, on a footpath between the Phra Buddha Metta statue and the Pop Mai waterfall.
The park was closed for safety reasons on December 13, as the elephant, believed to be in musth, continued to roam the area.
Approximately 1,000 visitors to the park at the time were evacuated and accommodation reservations were suspended.
