Phuket Governor continues stampede of visits to support agricultural strategy

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut’s charge into the province’s agricultural tourism sector led him to an elephant ranch Wednesday morning.

“The inspection of this elephant ranch is a continuation of our inspection of a pineapple garden (story here), goat farm (video story here) and vegetable farm. We are visiting them to raise awareness of Phuket’s potential for agricultural tourism,” Gov Maitri told the Phuket Gazette.

Governor Maitri was joined by Phuket Provincial Livestock Chief Weerasit Putthipairoj in his visit to Siam Safari Nature Tour Company in Chalong.

The company has been operating for more than 20 years and has 17 elephants on 20 rai of property.

“The inspection focused on three main topics: the health of the animals, the environmental health of the farm and surrounding area and the development of ecological tourism,” Gov Maitri said.

“Elephant ranch owners in Phuket are required to regularly check the health of their animals through the Phuket Provincial Livestock office.”

In addition, the owners must protect their land and neighboring forests from pollution to ensure that the land remains healthy, he added.

“Finally, they should teach tourists about the environment and also provide them with activities that allow them to participate in protecting it,” Gov Maitri said.

Chief Weerasit said the farm passed the inspection with flying colors.

— Irfarn Jamdukor