Present for the inspection today were officers from DLD Phuket, the Phuket branch of the Royal Forest Department, Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife and Forest Reserve, operated by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNP), the National Health Security Office, the Phuket Labour Office, Cherng Talay Police and the Central Investigation Bureau.
Also joining the inspection today was Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee. “We joined the inspection today as many doubts have been expressed about the operation of the elephant park,” Mr Chalermpong explained.
The park is operated by Swiss expat Urs Fehr and his wife, Ms Khanuengnit, or ‘Sai’, and has come under increased scrutiny since Fehr became embroiled in the ‘doctor kicking’ incident. The park charges an entrance fee of B1,000 per person for children, and B2,500 per person for adults.
“We must thank the agencies that participated in the area, whether it be livestock. Department of Wildlife Parks, Forest Department and Police Department… Today we come to observe the business operations of the elephant camp,” Mr Chalermpong said.
“Is the company registered and does it have the required capital? Or, as a foundation, does it meet all the requirements? Can the foundation legally keep [possess] the elephants, and are all the laws complied with?’ he posed.
Suthat Niyomthai, Senior Veterinarian at the DLD Phuket office, answered most of those questions.
“In total there are 14 elephants at the camp, all of which have been inspected and are correct. They are registered and are fitted with valid microchips. The elephants are healthy; they are strong and in perfect condition,” Mr Suthat confirmed.
The park operations comply with the relevant animal preservation and anti-cruelty laws, he added.
Mr Chalermpong later reported that the camp had 12 adult elephants and two baby elephants, and one more elephant that was not at the camp today as it had been taken for treatment
“The camp is properly registered in company form, with 73 employees. It has been registered since Mar 7, 2017. The camp rent the 21 rai 2 ngan 23 square wah on which it is located,” Mr Chalermpong said.
However, the checks on the operation of the elephant park will continue, especially on the business operating as a foundation.
“We must check every step,” Mr Chalermpong said.
“There must be an examination of the company’s finances, and of the tax payments of the elephant camp. The registration of the foundation with the Ministry of Interior must also be checked.
“After this, the request will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify the visa or passport of the owner’s business to make sure that it is the correct form of visa,” he added.
The operations of the elephant park, and anything else related Fehr or his wife, are now under intense scrutiny following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of INterior Anutin Charnvirikul and national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol all saying that such measures were appropriate in Fehr’s case, and any other foreigners who behave like him.