Elephant
- Chiang Mai Travel
Best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s top destination for ethical elephant experiences, offering sanctuaries where elephants roam freely in natural habitats. Choosing an ethical elephant sanctuary supports conservation efforts, helps local communities, and prioritises the well-being of these animals over profit. Explore Chiang Mai’s best ethical elephant sanctuaries and make a positive impact while spending time with these gentle giants in their…
- Thailand News
Elephant rampage at charity event in Bueng Kan kills woman
An elephant at a charity event in Bueng Kan went on a rampage, causing the tragic death of one woman and leaving a man severely injured. The incident, which took place yesterday, November 11, led to chaos as attendees fled in panic. A social media post detailed the unfortunate sequence of events during the traditional Kathin festival procession. An elephant…
- Thailand News
Khao Yai park clarifies contractor resigned amid elephant concerns
Khao Yai National Park has clarified that Sutthiporn Sinka, known as “Phlai Su” resigned from his duties of pushing back wild elephants rather than being transferred. He faced numerous complaints for using inappropriate methods that posed risks to tourists. Sutthiporn, a contractor at Khao Yai National Park, was responsible for managing wild elephants that ventured onto visitor paths. As of…
- Chiang Mai News
Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park
Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges. The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort…
- Thailand News
Surin Elephant Museum trumpets into life next month
Surin province will unveil its majestic new treasure, the Surin Elephant Museum, on September 5. This monumental opening promises a trunk-load of fascinating insights and interactive exhibits dedicated to the grandeur of elephants. The Surin Elephant Museum, born from a partnership between the Surin Provincial Administrative Organisation and the Dr Thiam Chokwatana Foundation, is set to become a premier destination…
- Thailand News
Elephant overturns tourist car at Khao Yai National Park (video)
A wild elephant overturned a tourist’s car near their accommodation at Khao Yai National Park, resulting in significant damage. The incident, captured on video and shared on TikTok, sparked discussions about the absence of warning signs and safety protocols. Today, August 14, news emerged about a wild elephant at Khao Yai National Park causing substantial damage to a black Honda…
- Road deaths
Motorcyclist killed in collision with wild elephant in Chachoengsao
A tragic incident occurred when a couple on a motorcycle collided with a wild elephant late at night, resulting in the husband’s death and the wife’s injury. The woman, still in shock, reported having no memory of the event. Phanom Rescue Radio Centre received a distress call yesterday at 11pm about a fatal elephant attack in Ang Rue Nai Forest,…
- Thailand News
Trunk call: Monk leads project to build elephant shelter in Chiang Mai
Renowned monk Phra Kru Odd called upon elephant enthusiasts to join a significant initiative to construct a shelter for elephants of the Saen family in Chiang Mai. The project aims to protect the elephants from harsh weather conditions and is estimated to cost 1 million baht, taking one full year to complete. Phra Kru Odd, associated with Wat Chedi Luang…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Garden trumpets arrival of elephant calf
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya recently celebrated the arrival of a new elephant calf to its sanctuary. On Saturday, the garden’s president, Kampol Tansajja, and his team invited Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon, Abbot of Wat Samakkhibanpot, to lead a welcoming ceremony for the newborn. The calf, named Pang Sapparot which translates to pineapples in English, was born to the…
- Thailand News
Ranger killed by escaped aggressive wild elephant nicknamed tank
A wildlife ranger was tragically killed by an aggressive wild elephant nicknamed Tank in the eastern Thai province of Chachoengsao, according to local officials. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, May 16, in the Sanam Chai Khet district of Chachoengsao. Tha Kradan Subdistrict Administration Organisation Chief Trapsawee Kunsari received reports that a wild elephant had attacked and…
- Thailand News
Couples tie the knot atop elephants on Valentine’s Day
In a display of romance and tradition, couples in Thailand celebrated their love atop majestic elephants on Valentine’s Day. Clad in traditional attire, nine pairs exchanged vows in a mass wedding that captivated onlookers at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chon Buri. A bride, Narumon Komgpanoy, shared that the ceremony is sacred, which makes everyone want to have a…
- Thailand News
Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’ (video)
An elephant known as Indy Jumbo has found a new lease on life after a viral video catapulted her to fame. The elephant, affectionately dubbed Indy Jumbo by Thai netizens, shot to stardom after a video of her leisurely beach escapade took social media by storm. The charming clip showcased her unwavering love for nature as she gazed at the…
- Thailand News
Thai customs halt import of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers
A directive to halt the importation of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers has been issued by the Thai Customs Department, following the registration of the pattern’s copyright, according to statements from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is presently conducting an inquiry into the ongoing imports from China, as shared by Phumtham. The issue surrounding this…
- Thailand News
Thai village in chaos as wild elephant wreaks havoc
A wild elephant, known as Rod Tang, wreaked havoc in a village in Buriram province, damaging a house and sending the inhabitants into a state of fear. The incident occurred yesterday in Nong Samet village, Non Din Daeng district, resulting in significant property damage and leading to pleas for assistance from relevant authorities. The house, a single-storey concrete property numbered…
- Thailand News
Wild elephant herd of 100 ‘tramples’ sugarcane dreams in Prachin Buri, sanctuary scrambles to restore order
Over 100 wild elephants caused chaos and distress to villagers in Khao Maikaew, Kabin Buri in Prachin Buri province after rampaging through a sugarcane plantation, forcing officials from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary to push the elephants back. However, the limited number of staff, combined with the difficulty and danger of the task, has made the task challenging.…
- World News
Sanctuary saga ends in sorrow: Beloved elephant Mali passing leaves fans trumpeting for change
Mali, a beloved elephant at a Philippine zoo has died after plans fell through to relocate the animal to a sanctuary following a worldwide campaign supported by indie rock star Morrissey, former lead singer of The Smiths. Mali, the star attraction at Manila Zoo for over four decades, was found dead on November 28. Raised in solitary confinement since her…
- Things To Do
10 amazing animal sanctuaries in Thailand
Ethical tourism is on the rise across the world, and Thailand is making sure it is a pioneer of such experiences. From elephant havens to gibbon rehabilitation centres, the Kingdom has made amazing efforts to help such animals who are marginalised. Moreover, upon visiting one of these sanctuaries, visitors can feel a sense of hope when seeing how these animals…
- Thailand News
Lost elephant calf Kanya finds new family in Chiang Mai
The tale of Kanya, the lost wild elephant calf, has come to a joyful conclusion. Found wandering in a rice field in the Bueng Kan province, she has now joined a new family in Chiang Mai. The journey of Kanya, from Bueng Kan to Chiang Mai, is one worth revisiting. Kanya’s story began on the morning of September 12, when…
- Thailand News
Fatal elephant attack in Thailand’s Buriram province claims life
A fatal elephant attack in Buriram province, Thailand, has claimed the life of 62 year old man named Chatchai (surname withheld) who was trampled and his body torn into two pieces by a wild elephant. The incident occurred today in a forest near Nong Bon Village, about 3 kilometres from his residence. The deceased’s wives, 60 year old Saibua and…
- Thailand News
Wild ‘elephant migration’ causes a trunk-load of trouble in Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen, a northeastern province in Thailand, is currently experiencing an invasion of wild elephants from the neighbouring province of Loei. The elephants, in search of food, have descended from the mountains of Phu Kradueng district, causing widespread destruction in two subdistricts – Boribun and Dong Lan in Si Chomphu district – of the province. Images of five wild elephants…
- Thailand News
Two wild elephants electrocuted by durian orchard owner’s fence in Thailand
Two wild elephants, roughly aged between 20 and 25 and 30 and 35 years, met a tragic end due to electrocution in Surat Thani province. The elephants fell victim to an electric fence positioned by a local durian orchard farmer in Tai Rom Yen National Park located within Kanchanadit, a district in southern Thailand. The incident occurred on October 12,…
- Thailand News
Elephant’s final stampede: Fearless handler’s mysterious forest demise in Buriram
A 61 year old volunteer elephant handler, known for his fearlessness around elephants, mysteriously vanished and was later discovered dead after being trampled by a wild elephant in the heart of a forest in Buriram Province. The grim discovery was made today by Chakkraphan Sukterm, Deputy Inspector (Investigator) of Non Din Daeng Police Station. The deceased, named Thuep (surname withheld),…
- Northern Thailand News
Ele-fantastic fortune: Thai cactus with trunk-like growth attracts good luck-seeking locals
Residents of Phayao province are flocking to a golden chicken ball cactus, believed to be a good luck charm due to its unusual growth resembling a baby elephant’s trunk. The cactus belongs to 46 year old Phatharaporn, who has experienced an influx of customers and a significant increase in income since the peculiar growth appeared. The golden chicken ball cactus,…
- Thailand News
Former Thai deputy minister says ‘pandamonium’ not worth it, urges ‘elefant-astic’ focus on local treasures
The former Thai Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education voiced her opposition to the idea of importing new pandas from China, citing high rental costs and a declining interest in pandas. Instead, she suggests, the focus should be on the increasingly popular Thai elephants. Kanchana Silpa-archa, advisor and head of the Thai Nation Development Party, yesterday posted a message…
- Thailand News
Shaken, not stirred: Thai elephant Play Pepsi survives brutal training with no serious injuries
A Thai elephant named Play Pepsi, which was recently subjected to brutal training methods is not seriously injured said examining veterinarians. The owner, who paid 1.5 million baht for the elephant, is willing to sell it to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for a fair price. The case came to light when the Watchdog Thailand Foundation…
- China News
Trumped up: Asian elephant sleuth uncovers opium stash in Chinese forest, gains ‘secret agent’ status (video)
An Asian elephant turned detective sniffing out a stash of opium hidden in the undergrowth of a forest in the southwestern province of Yunnan, China. The event was captured in a video that has since made waves on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo, earning the elephant the title of a secret agent in China’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking.…
- Thailand News
Spanish tusker-tamer’s uproarious elephant escapade sweeps online spotlight in Thailand (video)
A Spanish woman, well-versed in transforming tusker-sized tales into online sensations, couldn’t resist sharing her uproarious rendezvous with an elephant during a recent Thailand escapade. The self-deprecating woman, Julia Candela, with a penchant for furry and tusked friends alike, took to TikTok to unveil her rib-tickling tête-à-tête with an elephant in Thailand that left her momentarily nose-to-nose with the ground.…
- Travel
A visitor’s guide to ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand
If you are a tourist, a trip to Thailand is incomplete without seeing the country’s extraordinary elephants. These majestic animals have been an integral part of Thailand’s culture and history, used for a variety of purposes such as for transportation, war, logging (in the timber industry), and now tourism. Currently, there are around 3,500 – 4,000 captive elephants in Thailand.…
- Thailand News
Thai elephant Sak Surin’s recovery promising despite tumour diagnosis
The health of a 30 year old male Thai elephant appears promising despite a recent diagnosis of five separate tumours. The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre based in Lampang noted Sak Surin’s surprisingly resilient recovery. After spending 22 years on non-native grounds in Sri Lanka, Sak Surin was returned home and admitted to the Centre’s Elephant Hospital for care on July 2.…
- Thailand News
Thai royal family honours Sri Lankan caretaker of elephant Sak Surin
The King and Queen of Thailand have bestowed an honour upon Don Upul Jayarathna Denelpitiyage, a Sri Lankan mahout, in recognition of his unyielding care for the recuperating Thai elephant, Sak Surin. The elephant is currently in a 30-day quarantine in Lampang province, following his flight from Sri Lanka on the second day of July. Air Marshal Pakdee Saengchuto, serving…
