Donations are being solicited from the public to buy powdered milk for the two-week-old elephant named Plai Huai Yai that nearly drowned in a waterfall pool at Namtok Ngao National Park on Sunday.
Pichai said the calf's general condition was improving after falling in the pool but that she still suffered bouts of diarrhoea.
Plai Huai Yai was being fed a saline solution and milk and cooled by a fan, while visitors were warned not to touch her for fear she might contract a disease.
Park chief Chaiyasan Hiransalee said the calf might be returned to the jungle to look for its mother when fully recovered.
Elephant veterinarian Pattarapon Maneeon will later treat her under instructions from Jatuporn Burutpat, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Chaiyasan said.
Chumphon Governor Karan Supakijwilekkarn said Plai Huai Yai needed at least Bt1,000 per day to cover expenses and that many people had called to ask about her condition and offer to donate money.
He opened an account at the Carrefour Chumphon branch of Siam Commercial Bank, number 401-782-4669 under the name Plai Huai Yai, to take contributions.
