The anticipated return of the Thai tusker ‘Muthu-Raja’ also known as Sak Surin in Thailand, following medical treatment is unlikely, Thai media reports.
According to Thai PBS, Natural Resources and Environment Minister of Thailand Varawut Silpa-archa has recently stated the ill-treated elephant’s return to Sri Lanka is highly unlikely.
“It is out of question that Sak Surin, now the most famous elephant in Thailand, will have to return to Sri Lanka, as he is now under the patronage of HM the King, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa on Wednesday.” Thai PBS reported, citing the Environment Minister.
According to the Thai news platform, Sak Surin, who arrived in Thailand on Sunday, has quickly became familiar with his new environment, despite the fact that he had lived in Sri Lanka for 22 years.
Minister Varawut commenting on request from senior monks in Sri Lanka for Bangkok to return the elephant once he fully recovers, Varawut said the matter is not even open for discussion.
“Sak Surin is now under the patronage of the King, so that is out question,” Varawut said.
It is learnt that Muthu-Raja, who will have a 30 day quarantine period, will have specialised vets conduct more thorough checks on him. Initial examinations show that Sak Surin is suffering from a cataract in the right eye, its front left leg cannot bend, he has infected wounds on his hips and has problems with his nails and the soles of all four feet.
Muthu-Raja was airlifted back to Thailand following reports of ill-treatment and injuries. (NewsWire)
