Yoo said on Wednesday night that only sanctuary officials will be involved in the next round of elephant herding in order to ensure easy and accurate instructions and operational controls, while experienced villagers will be used to deliver food and water. The attending officials will also be given a handbook to be better prepared for the mission, he added.

Saying that the fatal incident was still being investigated, Yoo surmised that Praichit might have gone too close to the elephants.

He added that the handbook clearly required officials to keep at least 50 metres away from the animals so they can make an easy escape in case of emergency. He said the team would also see if too many people from different agencies had been used for the operation and if other mistakes had been made.

He also said he would seek funds from the National Parks Department and the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation to help Praichit’s family.