Elephant Management in Thailand: Lek Chalert and an Evolving Approach in the Tourism Sector

Thailand’s tourism industry, a significant economic sector, has a long-standing relationship with its elephant population. Historically, elephants were used in the logging industry. After a nationwide logging ban in 1989, many of these elephants and their mahouts transitioned into the burgeoning tourism sector. Early tourism practices, however, often involved activities like trekking and shows, which were sometimes associated with harsh training methods and led to long-term health and psychological issues for the animals. In response to these conditions, Lek Chailert, whose love for elephants was nurtured by her grandfather, a traditional healer, founded the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) near Chiang Mai. Her deep-seated conviction that a different approach was required, fueled by witnessing their suffering in logging camps and early tourism operations, drove her to create a sanctuary. Opened officially in 2003, the park serves as a refuge for rescued elephants, offering them a secure environment where they can recover and live naturally. The ENP’s operational model focuses on ethical tourism: visitors observe the elephants from a distance and learn about their behavior without engaging in direct contact or riding. This approach has inspired other elephant facilities in Thailand to shift towards welfare-focused models, driven by a growing demand for ethical travel experiences. However, the transition for the entire industry remains challenging due to economic constraints and entrenched traditional practices in many camps. Despite these hurdles, the ENP provides a successful reference for a more responsible form of tourism that benefits both the elephants and the local communities.

The photos of the project have been published by The Guardian (online and print) and The Guardian Weekly (print):

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/08/animal-welfare-asian-elephants-thailand-conservation-aoe