Nakhon Ratchasima: Thap Lan National Park is intensifying efforts to address the growing problem of wild elephants encroaching on farmland, while also announcing the seasonal closure of several tourist sites to allow nature to recover.
Park chief Prawattisat Chanthep said a provincial committee has been formed, bringing together officials from Thap Lan, Khao Yai, Khao Phang Ma Wildlife Sanctuary, local communities, and private sector representatives.
The committee has set out to coordinate solutions to elephant incursions, which have increasingly affected crops such as corn, sugarcane and cassava.
Short-term measures include updating elephant population surveys, deploying volunteer patrols, and using drone technology to monitor movements. Longer-term strategies involve constructing ditches, installing electric fences, and encouraging farmers to grow crops less attractive to elephants, such as thorny bamboo.
Meanwhile, Thap Lan National Park announced the closure of four tourist sites in Wang Nam Khieo district from March 1 to May 31. These include Suan Hom Waterfall, Marn Fah Waterfall, Suan Hom campsite and lodges, and Pha Kep Tawan viewpoint and campsite. The closure is part of the park's annual programme to reduce wildfire risks and allow ecosystems to regenerate.
Officials also confirmed that elephant herds of up to 200 individuals have been roaming near communities, prompting continuous monitoring. In addition, the popular Khao Salak Dai viewpoint remains closed after tiger sightings were reported nearby late last year.