The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has returned the first elephant to the forestland under the Chang Yim (Smiling Elephants) Project, which earned more than Bt800,000 (S$34,000) in donation money.

The project also aimed to set up a fund to solve the city street wandering elephant issue within one year.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra signed the purchase contract and transport of 30-year-old street-roaming elephant Phang Buakham whose right eye is blind, with its owner Kammakan Madee.

The beast, bought for Bt300,000 raised through the project's bank account since August 3, will be in the National Elephant Institute's care in Lampang.

Its purchase and release were also a merit making for HM the Queen's 77th birthday anniversary Wednesday.

THE NATION / ASIA NEWS NETWORK