Scottish tourist killed during elephant trek in Thailand
A Scottish tourist has reportedly been killed on an elephant trek in Thailand.
The Scot, on holiday with his teenage daughter, was thrown by the animal after it turned on its handler during an outing on Koh Samui, according to local press.
The Bangkok Post said the 36-year-old was trampled on by the elephant and stabbed in the torso by its tusk on Monday afternoon.
His daughter is being treated in hospital, it was reported.
The charity World Animal Protection said thoughts were with the man's loved ones but the incident was a stark reminder'' that elephants are not meant to be ridden.
A spokeswoman said: Elephants are cruelly abused to tame them enough so they give rides and perform in shows.
Most tourists don't know about these abuses, or the potential danger they put themselves in.
If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with a wild animal, then the chances are it is cruel and the animal is suffering.''
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: We are offering support to the family of a British national who has sadly died following an incident in Koh Samui, Thailand, and are making contact with the local authorities to seek further information.''