A group of veterinarians from Thailand has taken blood samples from the Thai Raja elephant without proper authorization or knowledge, according to Professor Ashoka Dangolla, a senior professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya.
Two veterinarians in Sri Lanka have also supported this incident, thus Prof. Dangolla has said that those veterinarians be reported to the Veterinary Council, alleging a breach of medical ethics.
Professor Dangolla declined an invitation for a discussion with the group involved in taking the blood samples, citing their disregard for medical ethics. He emphasized that collecting blood samples in this manner, without informing the primary treating doctor, goes against medical ethics, raising concerns about the group’s intentions.
Several months ago, Thai Ambassador Poj Harnpol visited Sri Dalada Palace to inquire about the well-being of the Thai Raja elephant, which was donated by the Thai government 37 years ago. Rumors circulated about a potential attempt to take the Thai Raja back to Thailand, but the Thai ambassador denied any such decision at that time.
