Celebrity elephant crushes owner to death in Thailand

An elephant that has starred in feature films and commercials crushed its owner to death in Thailand , zoo officials said Tuesday , setting off fresh debate over the
kingdom’s animal tourism industry .

The accident took place Monday morning in the northern city of Chiang Mai , just
after owner Somsak Riengngen
unchained the five - tonne elephant
Ekasit .

With a mahout, or handler , on his back, Ekasit took a few steps before reversing
course and attacking 54 - year- old
Somsak , who was on the ground .

“ The elephant suddenly turned back and
used his trunk to grab the victim . Then the elephant used his trunk to crush him,” Wuthichai Muangman , acting director of Chiang Mai Zoo, told AFP.
Wuthichai , who described Somsak as an “ elephant expert,” said the 32- year- old animal was in musth when the accident
happened.

Ekasit , who according to a zoo official appeared in Thai and foreign films as well as several television advertisements ,
was being temporarily housed at the zoo under a contract due to expire in April.

Thailand is notorious for an elephant
tourism trade that sees the animals
performing in circuses , giving rides , or hired out for other forms of
entertainment.