PATTAYA — An elephant accompanied by its mahut caused a stir near Terminal 21 Pattaya this week, drawing crowds and raising safety concerns before municipal officials intervened to escort the animal away from the bustling urban area. The elephant was reportedly offering sugarcane to passersby, attracting both fascination and criticism from onlookers.

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Jirawat Sukhonthasap, director of the local administrative division, filed a formal report and issued a warning to the elephant’s owner, ordering the immediate removal of the animal from the city. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, highlighted ongoing tensions between traditional practices and modern urban safety standards.

Public reactions were mixed, with some praising officials’ swift response and others condemning the use of elephants for street-side tourism. Animal rights advocates reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of welfare laws, noting that urban environments expose elephants to stress, traffic hazards, and potential harm while also risking public safety.

Pattaya officials acknowledged the need for stronger regulations to prevent similar incidents and emphasized that repeated violations could lead to harsher penalties. The event has reignited debates about ethical tourism and the role of elephants in Thai culture, with authorities urging greater awareness of animal welfare and public safety protocols.

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The owner complied with the order to leave the city, and no injuries were reported. Pattaya City remains focused on balancing cultural traditions with contemporary urban management priorities.

-Thailand News (TN)