The Thai Government has announced that Muthu Raja, the elephant taken to Thailand in 2023 for treatment, will not be returned to Sri Lanka. 

Despite assurances and recovery progress, the country’s king has decided to keep Muthu Raja in Thailand.

The elephant had previously suffered abuse at Kande Viharaya before being treated at the Dehiwala Zoo. 

The Thai Government is reportedly spending over Rs. 200 million on the elephant’s care.