It is not unusual to see scenes like this in Thailand, an adorable baby elephant being led along the beach by its mahout. I snapped this photo (below) when we visited Nam Rin Beach in Ban Chang, just a 40-minute drive south of Pattaya.
There is no denying that elephants, especially cute baby ones, have wow factor. For many tourists visiting Thailand, seeing an elephant up close is a much sought-after and memorable experience and often one of the highlights of their trip.
The sad truth is, this is not where elephants belong. They are here out of necessity, because the much revered elephant has been displaced. Since Thailand banned logging in 1989, mahouts and their elephants have struggled to replace their income.
Although many elephants still have a decent quality of life in sanctuaries, others have been brought in to the cities of Bangkok, Pattaya and other tourist hotspots in Thailand to eke out a living on the tourist trail.
It’s said that many elephants are neglected, overworked, underfed, and kept in unsuitable conditions, often left in the sun all day, where despite their thick leathery hide they do suffer from sunburn. So please spare a thought for the elephants in Thailand.
If you’re looking to have your own memorable experience with elephants, consider visiting more ethical establishments such as the famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai or the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya. Here are some pics and highlights from my own visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya.