By James Munley

Thailand boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, amazing cities and stunning resorts. It is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city in 2016, and Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North. There truly is something for everyone in Thailand.

Animal and nature lovers have long been visiting wildlife spots featuring elephant tourism. Things like elephant shows, elephant rides, elephant painting, etc.  However, most tourists do not know that this industry is fraught with animal abuse.

The Elephant Tourism Industry

Some trainers abuse the elephant in order to make it submissive. Doing so prepares it to perform unusual acts such as painting a picture or giving a massage on command. This process is called Phajaan or “Crushing” in English. It is a brutal process of torture that utilizes ropes, chains, and cages to secure the animal.

The Phajaan Process

First, they securely restrain the elephant.

Then, they thoroughly abuse it.

This procedure includes stabbing the elephant and other cruel practices. Some elephants are even blinded to make them more docile. Eventually, over time, this crushes the animal’s spirit. This is the dark side of elephant tourism. The part of the industry that tourists never get to witness.

Ethical Elephant Tourism

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a non-profit organization working to change the elephant tourism industry. At PES they know that most tourists just want to see elephants. They simply want to witness the majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. Elephants are naturally docile, and they are extremely intelligent. All you need to do is feed them well and treat them kindly. These simple acts allow tourists to truly see their personalities come alive!

An example of an elephant tourism visit to PES

Spend about three hours with Kannika and Madee, two female elephants who were rescued from the tourism industry. Feed the elephants and walk with them. Alternatively, just observe them in their natural habitat around the beautiful estate in Thalang, Phuket. Watching as they graze for food, play in the mud, or go for a swim. Most importantly, there are no elephant rides or other unnatural activities at PES.

How It Was Started

PES was created in conjunction with the world famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its purpose is to provide older, sick, or ailing elephants with a safe place to live out their lives. It aims to prove that ethical elephant tourism can not only be possible, but also successful.

PES is an amazing place with a noble goal and was most definitely the highlight of my latest trip to Thailand. Arrange tours via PES’ Facebook page for 3,000 THB (about $84 USD) per person. Follow the link below to organize your tour today: https://www.facebook.com/phuketelephantsanctuary/