Officials confirm the death of a law student in Thailand due to an elephant-related incident during vacation.

An Asian elephant killed a young woman during a bathing session at a sanctuary in Thailand on Friday, officials said.

At the time of the incident, Blanca Ojanguren, a 22-year-old Spanish citizen, was visiting Koh Yao Elephant Care on Yao Yai Island with her boyfriend. She was studying law at the University of Navarra at the time.

The Spanish outlet reported that a 50-year-old elephant pushed Ojanguren with its trunk while she was bathing it, resulting in a fatal blow. There were approximately 18 people present at the sanctuary at the time, including the victim's boyfriend.

The sanctuary owner stated that the tourist, who was rushed to a local hospital, later passed away. As a consequence, the business temporarily closed.

Officials have not disclosed the cause of the elephant's attack, but experts believe it may have been stressed due to its interaction with tourists in an unfamiliar environment.

Koh Yao Elephant Care offers tourist packages ranging from $50 to $85 USD, according to its booking website. The company offers two-hour sessions with elephants that include activities such as cooking classes and kayak sessions.

"Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff offer visitors the chance to learn about elephant behavior, biology, and the sanctuary's mission, allowing for a close encounter with these magnificent animals while respecting their well-being."

In 2022, an Asian elephant in Thailand's Phang Nga province killed its trainer by ripping it in half with its tusk, highlighting the occasional aggression of these gentle and intelligent animals when under stress.

The elephant's handler was discovered to have been making the animal haul wood to a rubber plantation in hot weather, which caused the animal to become overwhelmed.

At the time, Duncan McNair, CEO of Save the Asian Elephants, informed Newsweek that elephants are susceptible to mistreatment and can experience stress due to human actions.

McNair stated that Asian elephants, despite being wild animals, are always prone to attacking and killing when they are mistreated or stressed by humans.

In the US, visitors and staff are generally not allowed to touch elephants at zoos. However, elephant sanctuaries in Thailand entice tourists with the prospect of close encounters with the animals.

The quality of animal sanctuaries, including elephant sanctuaries, can vary greatly, according to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

"The animal industry is poorly regulated, with facilities that keep animals in deplorable conditions often presenting themselves as high-quality. To ensure the welfare of captive animals, it is crucial to distinguish between the best sanctuaries and rescues, identify where funds would be most beneficial, and determine which organizations provide a model to follow and can be relied upon in times of crisis."

Planet Chronicle Digital contacted Koh Yao Elephant Care for comment but did not receive an immediate response. To gain more insight, Planet Chronicle Digital sought information from wildlife experts.