{"id":433,"date":"2017-09-09T02:16:08","date_gmt":"2017-09-08T19:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/?page_id=433"},"modified":"2025-09-04T00:53:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:53:01","slug":"background","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/background\/","title":{"rendered":"background"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

Think Thailand – <\/b>Think Elephants<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"\"
The Thai flag from 1893-1917<\/span><\/b><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When many people think of Thailand, they think of elephants.\u00a0 It’s easy to see why.\u00a0 The national animal of the Kingdom of Thailand is, of course, the elephant.\u00a0 Indeed, the national flag of Thailand used to be\u00a0simply an elephant on a plain red background.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Thai ‘War Elephants’<\/strong><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While\u00a0the Thai national flag may have changed, the Thai national football team’s badge still prominently features an elephant – the team going by the nickname of the ‘War Elephants’. Then who can deny the fact that one of the first words many visitors to Thailand learn is ‘Chang’ – the name of\u00a0the nation’s most famous beer also means – yes, you guessed it – ‘elephant’.\u00a0 It’s little wonder then why many people associate Thailand with elephants – an association\u00a0that reflects the deep regard most Thai people have for their pachyderm pals.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Many visitors to Thailand are there for the ‘Chang’.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An Historic Relationship\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What many people may not know is that humans and captive\/domesticated elephants have coexisted in Thailand for thousands of years – long before the nation of Thailand we now know was even born.\u00a0 Elephants were used for warfare, logging, transportation, farming, and in cultural ceremonies.\u00a0 Of course, today elephants are no longer used in warfare, mechanisation has replaced the plough, and the car and motorbike have long since replaced the elephant as a mode of transportation.\u00a0 Up until 1989, most captive elephants were used for logging, but in January of that year the Thai Government passed a decree banning the practice.\u00a0 The result?\u00a0 Several thousand captive elephants that were used for logging were now effectively out of work.<\/p>\n

The Rise of Elephant Tourism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While it may seem good that these elephants no longer were used for logging, it brought with it a big problem.\u00a0 The reality is that feeding an elephant is not cheap – an elephant eats approximately 10 percent of its body weight per day.\u00a0 Sadly, the result of this ‘unemployment’ meant many elephants and their mahout owners were faced with an unenviable dilemma – how to support their elephants, their families and themselves?\u00a0 Some turned to illegal logging and the dangers that came with it.\u00a0 Others turned to taking their elephants to the streets to beg.\u00a0 Thankfully, the logging ban coincided with a dramatic rise in the number of tourists visiting Thailand.\u00a0 The result?\u00a0 Many elephant owners turned to elephant tourism to help generate an income that could help support their elephants, families and themselves.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Elephant Tourism – The only option?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cI wish that all the elephants could live in the wild, but unfortunately, we currently have between 3,000 to 4,000 captive elephants in Thailand, all of whom need to earn some form of living in order to be fed. There is nowhere near enough habitat to release them back into \u2013 not by a long shot. Tourism is the only sustainable method so far discovered.<\/em>\u201d John Edward Roberts<\/strong> –\u00a0director of elephants and conservation activities at the Anantara Resorts & Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.*<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Many tourists who visit Thailand want to see the elephants.\u00a0 This is good because it helps to provide an income to the many thousands of captive elephants and human communities who rely on elephants for their livelihoods.\u00a0 What is less clear cut is what elephant tourism should look like.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Elephants perform in an elephant show<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Elephant tourism in Thailand takes many different forms.\u00a0 From elephant rides, to watching elephants perform in shows, to bathing elephants in elephant camps, to volunteering to work in one of the many elephant sanctuaries located across the country.\u00a0 Thanks to the historical domestication of elephants, there are now many ways tourists can visit Thailand and get up close and personal with these wonderful creatures.\u00a0 This is also an area of great debate, however.\u00a0 If elephant tourism is ‘the only sustainable method so far discovered’, how can we support it so that the interests of the elephants, tourists, the mahouts, and their families, are all taken into account and a happy\u00a0equilibrium found?\u00a0 Is ethical elephant tourism even possible?<\/p>\n

Hand-2-Trunk – Learning by Living with Elephants<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We believe that Hand-2-Trunk <\/a>offers something uniquely different for those wishing to come to Thailand and see the elephants.\u00a0 Participants on a Hand-2-Trunk program are similar to other elephant-loving tourists visiting Thailand in that they share a passion to see the elephants.\u00a0 However, those signing up for a program are signing up for much more than the chance to get to take some selfies with an elephant. Among other elephant-related cultural experiences, the Elephant Experience Program<\/a> includes the opportunity to stay in a rural Thai village where villagers have lived alongside elephants for generations.\u00a0 By participating, guests are not only gaining a unique insight into what it is like to live among elephants (who live semi-wild by roaming and foraging in the surrounding forests), but are helping to support the very communities that have done so for hundreds of years.\u00a0 We believe that it is through this unique experience that participants can truly see why elephants are so revered in Thai culture, while at the same time helping to support a form of elephant tourism that truly represents a happy equilibrium for all –\u00a0not least the captive elephants themselves. *As quoted in the Telegraph<\/em>, Can Elephant Tourism be Ethical?<\/em>\u00a0 2 February 2016<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
Tourism Authority Of Thailand Licensed Number : 24\/00565<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Think Thailand – Think Elephants When many people think of Thailand, they think of elephants.\u00a0 It’s easy to see why.\u00a0 The national animal of the Kingdom of Thailand is, of course, the elephant.\u00a0 Indeed, the national flag of Thailand used to be\u00a0simply an elephant on a plain red background. While\u00a0the Thai national flag may have … <\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"generate_page_header":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-433","page","type-page","status-publish"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P9aTui-6Z","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":435,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":0},"title":"What is Hand2Trunk?","author":"admin","date":"September 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Hand-2-Trunk is about giving people the opportunity to experience life living with elephants while at the same time helping to support those communities who are dependent on elephants for their livelihoods. We believe that we offer a unique cultural experience to educate those who are interested in learning what it\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG-20190902-WA0015-300x199.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":827,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/support-a-sustainable-future-for-elephants\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":1},"title":"Support a Sustainable Future for Elephants","author":"admin","date":"June 19, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Helping to Support Elephant Welfare It is our goal to create a sustainable future for elephants in Thailand, supporting a rich history between local communities and these beautiful animals.\u00a0 Do you want to be a part of elephant wellness and help support the local communities who care for and protect\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_100498829_116673469796124_3169934575162543152_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_100498829_116673469796124_3169934575162543152_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_100498829_116673469796124_3169934575162543152_n.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":843,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/elephant-welfare-faq\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":2},"title":"Elephant Welfare FAQ","author":"admin","date":"June 22, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"We receive many questions and comments from people who share our passion for elephant welfare and felt it would be best if we helped collect information, research and articles from elephant experts, vets, conservationists and officials involved in supporting elephant futures. Contents Why Elephant Tourism Exists in Thailand Why Not\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_36160923_325669181303896_1138949190013943808_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_36160923_325669181303896_1138949190013943808_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_36160923_325669181303896_1138949190013943808_n.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_36160923_325669181303896_1138949190013943808_n.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/hand2trunk_36160923_325669181303896_1138949190013943808_n.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":445,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/elephant-program\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":3},"title":"Testimonials","author":"admin","date":"September 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This hands-on experience is one that I will never forget. It\u2019s truly hard to put into words how impactful this trip has been for me. Trekking through the jungle to observe an elephant and her two babies, making banana salad for elderly elephants, bathing elephants, and seeing the bond between\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/20220727_074943-300x225.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":447,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/vision-and-mission\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":4},"title":"Vision","author":"admin","date":"September 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Our Vision: To help support rural communities and elephant conservation through bespoke educational trips in Northern Thailand. Goals: To give internationally-minded students the unique opportunity to make deeper learning connections by taking their learning beyond the classroom. To help support Asian elephant conservation and welfare. To help empower local entrepreneurs\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/540960829_664754246657785_7895808093549247815_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/540960829_664754246657785_7895808093549247815_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/540960829_664754246657785_7895808093549247815_n.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/540960829_664754246657785_7895808093549247815_n.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":892,"url":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/donation\/","url_meta":{"origin":433,"position":5},"title":"Donation","author":"admin","date":"June 5, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"As part of Hand2Trunk trip, participants get to spend time and live with Huay Pakkoot elephant community. If you would like to support, please donate to Huay Pakkoot Elephant Community Foundation. Bank Name: KASIKORN Bank SWIFT Code: KASITHBK A\/C No. 0838661017 Name: HUAYPAKKOOT ELEPHANT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION \u00a0 You can follow\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/188820964_205871111382038_3068918026371665847_n-223x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=433"}],"version-history":[{"count":115,"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1032,"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/433\/revisions\/1032"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hand2trunk.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}