Angry Thai elephant kills Scottish tourist, wounds daughter

A 36-year-old Scottish tourist riding a male elephant has been reportedly killed by the animal after it got angry.

Reports say the tourist who was on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand’s Surat Thani province was riding on the back of the elephant as part of a trekking tour with his daughter when the animal suddenly got angry and shook the pair and their mahout (trainer) from its back.

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According to sources, the man was then trampled on and gored to death by the elephant’s tusks while his 16 year-old daughter suffered minor injuries and is recovering in hospital.

“The police are now investigating the trek operator, Island Safari Tour, which is legally registered to offer elephant treks.” Wongsiri Promchana, governor of Surat Thani, told CNN.

Continuing Promchana said; “Police have yet to press charges on anyone. They are now looking into whether the incident was an accident or could have been prevented.”

Confirming the incident, a British Embassy spokesperson said; “We are offering support to the family of a British national who has sadly died following an incident in Koh Samui, Thailand, and are in touch with the local authorities to seek further information.”

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