I have always claimed that one day I would run way and become a mahout. I have always had a deep and serious love for elephants, and when it was confirmed that I would be coming to Thailand I immediately began to fantasize about personal encounters with my favorite animal.
Since my arrival I had done research on the various elephant camps and reserves in the area in hopes of finding one that would provide me with my ideal experience. I decided upon the ‘Thai Elephant Home’ and made a reservation. They did a wonderful job and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They picked us up, we met with a couple other farang, and spent the entire day riding, feeding, swimming, and playing with the elephants. The elephants were treated well and it was a generally great day.
When I first arrived in Thailand I became acquainted with the reality of elephants within the country. While elephants are highly revered they are also utilized and exploited for money and tourism. I vividly remember seeing my first elephant in Thailand and while it was an impressive and memorable experience it opened my eyes to the role of elephants within Thailand, particularly within urban environments like Chiang Mai and Bangkok. I believe that every ‘urban elephant’ I have encountered has been under the authority of a Burmese refugee. It has been explained to me that a large number of these elephants were illegally taken from the jungle and used as a financial resource for refugees within Thailand. When I first arrived it was magical to see an elephant walking down the street and now it’s just disheartening.
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