Visiting Thailand? Don’t ride the elephants!

Elephant – the symbol of Thailand. The animal, which is considered sacred here, bringing good luck and prosperity, has been used for centuries to build dams and cut down trees. For tourists it is quite an attraction. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the animals very often suffer because of it. If you go to Thailand on vacation, avoid elephant rides.

There are currently 2,000-3,000 of these animals in the wild in Thailand, and 2,700 are privately owned, or government-owned, and used primarily for tourism. Brochures that offer vacations to the Land of Smiles are full of photos of happy tourists on the backs of these majestic animals. So it’s no wonder that everyone who comes here wants to experience such an attraction. To my shame, I have to admit that I once belonged to this group of tourists, too. Before that, however, I did not know what I know today.

My education about the use of elephants in tourism began at Elephant Nature Park, where I have gone a couple of times. It was there that I first heard about the incredible suffering experienced by elephants held in captivity.

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How are elephants used in tourism?

Since relatively recently, additional laws and bans have been introduced that have somewhat improved the existence of elephants in Thailand. Until about 10 years ago, street solicitors with elephants could be seen approaching passersby, asking for money in exchange for a photo or a trick. These practices are illegal today. It has been proven that elephants have very sensitive leg soles and vibrations caused by passing cars can cause them pain and discomfort.

The ban on guiding elephants on the streets is enforced, especially in cities. I myself once witnessed a scene in a bar when a man appeared outside with a baby elephant, asking for money. Thais sitting at tables pulled out their phones, but not to take a picture, but to notify the appropriate services.

Unfortunately, aside from this law, life for elephants in captivity is far from colorful.

Elephants are currently used in so-called elephant camps, where they are forced to do circus tricks and unnatural behavior for themselves. So they play basketball, paint pictures, juggle and dance.

In addition, rides on the backs of these animals are sold in the same places. Elephants carry not only people from morning to evening, but also heavy saddles and seats.

When the animals are not working, they stand tethered by a short chain to fences. In better places they stand under a roof, in the shade, but they are not so lucky everywhere.

The consequences of abusing these animals in this way are, of course, very negative – from body deformities (carrying tourists every day makes their spines warp) to diseases, as well as aggression towards people. Perhaps worst of all, however, is the training of these animals and the preparation of them to interact with tourists.

Phajaan – The breaking of the animal’s spirit

An elephant, once captured, or even one that has been born in captivity, is tied with a rope so that it cannot escape and is herded into a small wooden box. The elephant is also stabbed repeatedly with hooks, not only in the head, but also in other parts of the body.

The box is built so that the elephant cannot move at all. Wooden beams dig into its skin. It has no access to water or food. It is also not allowed to sleep. The elephant is kept like this for 3 days to a week, depending on how much the animal resists, and during all this time it is beaten and hooks are used to injure it in various parts of its body.

The same method is used to ‘train’ elephants for tourist rides. The elephant ride itself is very painful for the elephants. Not only because of the constant pummeling of them with a metal hook, but also because of the huge, heavy bench with a couple of tourists that the elephant has to carry for a couple of hours a day. This leads to spinal deformities and unbearable pain.

Such a tourist attraction can also end unhappily. Recently, a tourist from the UK was trampled by an elephant after the animal he was sitting on became enraged. Similar accidents happen very often. Elephants either behave aggressively because of the conditions in which they are kept, or because of hormones that are secreted by the males once a month that cause the elephant to react in this way.

How to stop the suffering of the elephants in Thailand?

I know that if you go to Thailand, you want to see elephants. It’s absolutely natural. You can do so without contributing to their suffering.

First of all, if you want to get closer to the elephants, I recommend choosing an ethical sanctuary and avoiding the so-called elephant camps. Remember, if a place has a sanctuary in its name, it does not at all mean that it is ethical. Currently, there are very few such truly ethical places in Thailand. Recent investigations have found that many places calling themselves a sanctuary simply rent elephants from places where they ride them, and return them there after some time.

The only ethical places I know of personally are:

• Elephant Nature Park
• Bees Elephant Sanctuary

I highly recommend you go to Elephant Nature Park. It is a great place that is run by a wonderful woman, Lek. Getting tickets there can be a challenge if you go during peak season. That’s why I advise you to reserve your place in advance.

There are also national parks in Thailand where you will see elephants living in the wild. Such a visit is the best way to avoid contributing to animal suffering in Thailand. The downside may be that there is not always a chance to see them. I have been to Kui Buri Park on a small safari and it was really great.

The last thing you can do is to tell all the other people who are going to Thailand on vacation about it. Let them know how hurtful it is to ride an elephant and how much harm the animals suffer.

Thailand has a long way to go when it comes to animal rights. There is a lack of education and making people aware of how much harm they are doing to others. The prevailing poverty in the villages does not help. However, I like to think that with Lek from Elephant Nature Park, this will begin to change. In the meantime, if you plan to visit Thailand, cross the elephant ride off your list. Instead, visit Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.