THAILAND: Elephant Trainer Charged In Death Of British Tourist

Thai police have charged an elephant trainer with negligence after a British tourist was gored and trampled to death by an elephant in Koh Samui.

Zaw Win Tun, 37 was charged with negligence leading to death and injury, Tewes Pluemsut, of the Bophut police said.

"Police are preparing to forward the case to the court," he said.

Gareth Crowe, 37 was killed by the elephant and his 16-year old daughter was also injured.

The trainer was also injured and told police he had climbed off the elephant in order to take photographs for the tourists, an admission which sparked the negligence charge.

Samui district chief Paiboon Omak said all tour firms and their elephant trainers would be inspected for valid permits.