Gentle Giants Walk Tall in Thailand

The kingdom is opening new paths for elephant conservation as the global population dwindles

Words: Phoowadon Duangmee
Photos: The Thai Elephant Research and Conservation Fund (TERF), Anutra Ungsuprasert, Shutterstock

March 13 marks Thai Elephant Day, or Wan Chang Thai – a celebration of the nation’s beloved symbol. From lush national parks to private elephant camps, Thailand’s enduring bond with its gentle giants runs deep and has stood the test of time.

“Elephants have held a special place in the hearts of the Thai people for centuries”, says Dr Alognkot Chukaew, a leading environmentalist who runs the Thai Elephant Research and Conservation Fund (TERF). “Their deep-rooted history in our nation highlights elephants’ cultural significance but also their important role in our environment.”

Culturally, elephants make their presence felt in countless Thai traditions – appearing in religious teachings, folklore, and rituals.

“These stories reflect the deep spiritual connection between people and elephants,” explains Dr Alongkot.

Beyond their cultural significance, wild elephants are also essential to the conservation of Thailand’s rich ecosystems.

“As keystone and umbrella species, elephants play an important role keeping nature in harmony, something that is deeply understood and valued by people throughout the country.”

The Asian elephant is classified as endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. Fewer than 50,000 remain in the wild, with Thailand serving as a sanctuary for over 4,300 Asian elephants.

Thriving herds roam free in national parks like Khao Yai, Kui Buri, and Kaeng Krachan. Known as “kings of the forest”, elephants play an important role in preserving the kingdom’s vast jungle wildernesses by dispersing seeds and creating water sources.

Home to nearly 10% of all wild Asian elephants, Thailand is recognised globally as one of the world’s last strongholds of these majestic creatures.

“The key to our success lies in the conservation areas in Thailand: the wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, forest reserves, and non-hunting zones,” Dr Alongkot explains. “Also, the coordinated efforts of Thai government agencies have been very effective protecting wild elephants. I can say with confidence that Thailand’s approach to preserving wild elephants is among the best in the world.”

While wild elephants help keep the natural balance in Thailand’s forests, their tame cousins hold a significant place in the history and culture of the nation.

In the past centuries, domesticated elephants were indispensable to Thailand’s economy, especially in logging, where their strength and intelligence were crucial for moving heavy timber. When logging was banned in 1989, the role of working elephants changed, with many transferred to tourism and cultural activities. Today, the Department of Livestock Development reports that around 4,200 elephants live in captivity across Thailand, residing in camps, zoos, and sanctuaries where they are cared for and protected.

Over 140 elephant camps across Thailand offer various ways for visitors to interact with these jungle giants. Traditional camps feature rides and performances, while eco-tourism camps focus on natural interactions and education. Retirement sanctuaries care for elderly or disabled elephants, while integrated camps blend tradition with conservation, foresting ethical experiences that priorities animal welfare.

In the last 10 years, ethical elephant tourism has gained momentum in Thailand as travellers seek responsible ways of interacting with these majestic animals. Many private elephant sanctuaries and ethical camps now focus on rehabilitation and care, promoting awareness about elephant conservation while offering tourists more meaningful experiences.

Thai regulations have driven elephant camps to improve their care by raising levels of welfare and being more transparent about the ways they manage and conserve animals. This helps to ensure that these gentle giants are treated with due respect and dignity.

“Thailand is a world leader in the care of captive elephants, with veterinary care that is second to none. Public and private elephant organisations in the country have vast experience and are located right within the natural habitats of these marvellous animals,” says Dr Alongkot. “Professional mahouts [elephant handlers] in Thailand also have generations of experience to draw on in caring for these wonderful animals.”

However, despite Thailand’s conservation success story, challenges remain.

Clashes between wild elephants and farmers are on the rise, with hungry tuskers damaging crops and straining livelihoods. At the same time, elephant camps are facing scrutiny from international animal rights groups for their treatment of the animals. Finding a sustainable balance between human needs, cultural heritage, and animal welfare is crucial to securing a future for these iconic creatures.

“Countries with wild elephant populations, like Thailand, continue to face unresolved human-elephant conflicts. Defensive efforts only offer temporary relief before elephants, known for their remarkable intelligence and problem-solving, adapt and find ways to bypass barriers,” Dr Alongkot says.

“To see the big picture, we need to monitor key factors like elephant populations, the extent of damage, and the impact on both people and elephants. Emerging solutions include managing the movement of wild elephants, relocating them to safer areas, tackling aggressive behaviour, and exploring temporary contraception to help control populations.”

For captive elephants, Thailand is striving to discourage traditional methods of domestication that have sparked ethical concerns.

“In the past, cultural practices involving chains, hooks, and the continued use of elephants [in tourism] often faced criticism,” says Dr Alongkot. “Today, however, elephant owners, scholars, veterinarians, and conservation organisations have built up expertise [in more ethical animal handling]. Through research and publications, Thailand is now able to share its deep knowledge of elephants and their care with the global community.”

The heart of this wisdom lies in the “elephant province” of Surin. Here, the Kui mahouts treat their elephants as cherished family members, living alongside the giant creatures. Their expertise, passed down the generations through oral tradition and hands-on learning, has preserved the ancient art of elephant care and training. In Ban Ta Klang, renowned as Surin’s “Elephant Village”, visitors can experience a way of life rooted in trust, tradition, and a bond that feels almost sacred.