Plai San, a young elephant stranded on an island in Prasae Reservoir in Rayong Province, is in good health and not as emaciated as initially reported. While the elephant is known to be aggressive, local authorities and volunteer groups are working to ensure its well-being by providing it with food, although they caution against direct human interaction.
On April 1, 2015, Mr. Somporn Wongpradit, head of the Chumsaeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Wangchan District, Rayong Province, along with local volunteers and fisheries groups, delivered sugarcane and jackfruit to Plai San, ensuring the elephant is well-fed and not malnourished. These volunteers had purchased the food themselves, hoping to ease concerns about the elephant’s health. During their visit, the group took care to monitor the elephant from a safe distance, aware of its aggressive nature. They carefully checked that it was not hiding in nearby forest areas before approaching the island to place the food at two designated spots.
After calling out, Plai San emerged from the forest, appearing healthy and well-fed, with tall stature and visible tusks. It proceeded to feed on the provided sugarcane and jackfruit before returning to the forest, carrying some of the food with its trunk. The visit lasted around 40 minutes, after which Plai San retreated into the woods.
Local authorities emphasize that the elephant, which has been isolated on the island for nearly a year, is in a stage of adolescence and will eventually join a herd once fully mature. At present, the villagers have expressed a preference for keeping Plai San on the island, citing safety concerns for both the elephant and the local population. The elephant has a history of aggression, having caused the death of two villagers in the past. Additionally, keeping the elephant isolated reduces the risk of it damaging crops or interacting with villagers.
Mr. Wongpradit further cautioned that although well-intentioned, attempts to bring food directly to Plai San can be hazardous. The elephant is known to be unpredictable, and anyone attempting to approach it could face significant danger. He advised contacting local volunteer groups or fisheries teams familiar with the elephant’s behavior to safely deliver food.
Despite the risk, the elephant is under close observation, and efforts continue to ensure its safety and the safety of the community.
