Neglected elephant returns home to Thailand after alleged abuse in Sri Lanka

A Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka two decades ago is flown back to its birth country after a diplomatic spat over the animal's alleged mistreatment.

Thai authorities had gifted the 29-year-old Muthu Raja, also known back in its birthplace as Sak Surin, to Sri Lanka in 2001.

But they demanded it back last year after allegations it was tortured and neglected while housed at a Buddhist temple in the island nation's south.