A mahout has been charged with “a reckless act causing serious injury” after an elephant attacked an Italian tourist in Thailand’s Phang Nga province.
Local wildlife officials said the 12-year-old male elephant was too young for elephant rides.
The 29-year-old Italian tourist, and his 31-year-old female companion were rushed to hospital this week after the elephant shook the couple off his back and thrust a tusk into the man’s leg.
The man’s injuries were described as “serious” while his companion suffered only minor injuries.
The incident comes at a time when many tour companies have banned elephant rides from their itineraries.
A local official said the elephant involved in the attack had not reached maturity and was not fully capable of carrying passengers.
“The incident happened as the elephant is not familiar with elephant rides with tourists. This incident is an indication of the risks involved,” the official said.
“There is not enough elephant rides available in Phang Nga due to the rise in tourist numbers. Some untrained elephants are currently being used.”