According to Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa on Wednesday, it is improbable that “Muthu Raja” (Sak Surin) will have to go back to Sri Lanka given that he is currently supported by HM the King.
Muthu Raja, who arrived in Thailand on Sunday after spending 22 years in Sri Lanka, adjusted to his new surroundings very quickly.
Varawut stated that the issue is not even up for debate in response to a senior monk’s request in Sri Lanka for Bangkok to return the elephant once he has recovered completely.
Varawut remarked, “Sak Surin is now under the King’s patronage, so that is beyond doubt.”
Muthu Raja is now undergoing a 30-day quarantine at the elephant conservation center in Lampang province’s Hang Chat area. The elephant appears to be in a happy mood as he shakes his head and eats.
Veterinarians will perform more in-depth examinations on him following the quarantine period. According to preliminary investigations, Muthu Raja has a cataract in his right eye, his front left leg is unable to bend, his hips have infected wounds, and he has issues with his nails and the soles of all four of his feet.
Varawut also mentioned Sri Narong and Pratupa, two additional Thai elephants that were transferred to Sri Lanka and are still there. Although one of them has minor injuries, he claimed that it appears that Sri Lanka is capable of taking care of them and that they appear to be in good health.
According to their claims, some universities in Sri Lanka have approached the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an offer to care for the Thai elephants.
