Young Elephant Attacks Australian Tourist in Phuket

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PHUKET – A 62 year-old Austrailain tourist was hospitalised after a four-year-old elephant suddenly became agitated and attacked him on the Thai resort island of Phuket.

The attack on Chan Yun, from Sydney Australia, happened near an area of Mai Khao beach on Phuket’s north-west coast, where the young elephant was roaming around freely without a keeper, fence or warning signs.

A family friend said the untrained female elephant appeared calm as it roamed the area, however when Mr. Chan appraoched the elephant it turned on him, pushing him to the ground and attempting to step on him.

Mr Chan suffered multiple rib fractures and injuries to his spine, ribs and kidney, requiring surgery.

Doctors at the intensive care unit of Bangkok International Hospital in Phuket where he is being cared for have advised he needs be transferred to Sydney by air ambulance.

His family members, who traveled to Phuket for a family wedding, face huge medical bills because his travel insurance has been rejected because of a pre-existing medical condition, the friend said.

Mr Chan was alone at the time of the attack, which is being investigated by Thai police.

Source: Lindsay Murdoch | SMH