A group of heroic pachyderms rescued these German tourists from a flood situation. Photo: Khuk Khak Municipality
Sixteen German tourists got much more than they bargained for yesterday in the Thung Kamin area of Khao Lak, when their elephant trek through the jungle turned into an evacuation by elephant.
The tourists had been for a one-hour trek but when they finished, in pouring rain, there was no minibus waiting for them. The reason was obvious. Torrential rain had caused a landslide right next to the elephant camp, and blocked the road below.
There was no let-up in the rain. If anything it was worsening, going from downpour to downright waterfall. There was no way the tourists could walk out down the steep and muddy slope and along the rivers of mud that had filled up the road.
The Deputy Mayor of Khuk Khak, Sirithorn Buakaew, informed of the situation, talked with the tour company and the elephant camp, and they came to the obvious conclusion: the way to get the Germans out was by elephant – using four animals with four passengers apiece.
Which is what happened. The 16 were safely evacuated, and delivered to their hotels with an impressively exciting and unusual tale to tell when they get home.
Mr Sirithorn told The Phuket News, “This situation was definitely dangerous. I warned the elephant people before to beware of flooding; if there’s a bad accident, it will reflect badly on Thailand.
“I have already talked repeatedly with tour operators about ensuring their tours are safe. I will call other tour companies to let them know about this case and to emphasise that they must keep eyes and ears open constantly for changes in the weather.”
