Thailand and Sri Lanka Discuss Welfare of Gifted Elephants

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (TNA) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, met with the Sri Lankan Ambassador on Wednesday to address growing concerns over the welfare of two elderly Thai elephants gifted to the South Asian nation.

The discussions focused on Plai Pratupha (Thai Raja, 51) and Plai Srinarong (Kandula, 29), which were presented to Sri Lanka for use in religious processions but are now facing health issues that require urgent attention.

The meeting was mandated by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul following public distress over photos circulated online questioning the elephants' welfare.

Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe clarified that some of the widely shared images do not depict the two specific elephants. She noted that the Sri Lankan government has appointed a Senior Veterinary Committee to officially inspect the animals' health.

Deputy PM Suchart said that a Thai delegation, including veterinarians, will soon visit Sri Lanka to conduct a joint scientific health check to confirm the facts before determining the next steps.

He added that the Thai Foreign Ministry is arranging a visit to meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, likely before December 8, to discuss the elephant issue and broader bilateral cooperation on environmental matters. -819 (TNA)