Sri Lanka, Oct. 24 -- The Thai government is set to hold talks with Sri Lanka on October 28 to bring back two elephants that were gifted by Thailand, following reports of poor living conditions and alleged mistreatment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), SuchartChomklin, wrote on his Facebook page yesterday, October 23, that he plans to fly urgently to Sri Lanka amid growing concerns about the welfare of the two Thai elephants, PlaiPratuPha and PlaiSrinarong.

Concerns were first raised last year by the Reclaim Thai Elephant group. The group's coordinator, YuwanuchKiattiwong, together with 50 members, visited the MONRE to submit an official letter urging the government to take action over the...