‘Your tourist money can control this. We are all influencers here’ Christopher Lau
‘The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to invite you on a trip to Lampang and Chiang Mai to learn about the current situation on elephant care in Thailand, as well as how we are moving forward towards more sustainable solutions for elephant-based tourism in Thailand’.
So came the most exciting e-mail of the year, and this old bird blogger was quick to respond yes! I join a diverse group of influencers and journalists for an incredible three days learning from vets, elephant welfare specialists and those working in elephant tourism and rehabilitation fields.
Let me introduce you to video creator Christopher, photographer James and Insta Kate at work. Each has a passion for storytelling and sharing their experiences in Thailand on their social media channels in their creative and unique ways.
Christopher, Kate and James at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang
‘Overall this trip was a mix of incredible moments, differing views, eye-opening learning experiences and life long memories. I was very happy to learn how Thailand’s plans to change and better the lives of domestic elephants. Kate
You couldn’t miss Instagram’s Kate, from Go Where Kate Goes. Amongst a sea of dark-haired Thai women, Kate’s bright blond hair and curly whirly eyelashes greet you across a crowded room, along with her genuine Canadian girl-next-door smile. As we gather at Lampang Airport ready for a day of tourism, temples and elephants, Kate is the only one in a floaty skirt, and with a split in the side at that.
This is the first time I’ve been on a TAT trip with an InstaQueen and I’m fascinated to see her at work.
During the week Kate works for an on-line English language school for children. Her emerging Insta stardom has materialised with part-time effort and eye-catching photos, encouraging others to go where Kate goes.
Kate is fun, and although I’m old enough to be her Mother Wren, we bond amongst the spirit-trees when I offer to take her photo. Kate has all the moves. A quick flick of the hair, a back turn with an over the shoulder glance, and with every click of the camera, a spontaneous and cute pose. The camera loves Kate.
She generously offers to reciprocate and photograph me, and I try to copy her moves but I look awkward and clunky! Kate, by day two, cleverly upgrades herself to the video creator talents of Christopher Lau of and the exquisite photography of James.
Christopher and James have between them over 100 K of followers and there is nothing they don’t know about getting a captivating photo, even with enthusiastic elephants desperate for their first fix of sugar cane for the day!
Photo credit: Christopher Lau @seelautravel
The guys stood out at Don Mueang Airport for having all the right gear. Christopher with his, that ain’t a cheap video camera, a Panasonic GH5 with a fluffy pro microphone on top, his DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone and a fittingly named Go Pro Hero 7 packed ready for action.
James, the quieter reflective, photographer with his camera equipment; Samsung S20+, Note20 and Fiji xe3 camera.
‘I had an opportunity to spend a few days with elephants in Chiang Mai. I have learned a lot of things. For me, I understand that Thailand and elephants are long time partners. Elephants were used in fighting battles with enemies in the old war, and in the logging Industry, therefore elephants become the national animal of Thailand.’
But when the time changes, everything changes.
Foreigners love to come to Thailand because it is a beautiful country and they can have new experiences like riding an elephant. Therefore, those images become the must-do lists when you visit Thailand
However, now I think it is time to change those images and remove them from our tourism dreams’. James
Christopher incidentally tells me he doesn’t really like the term Influencer, however averaging over 120K YouTube channel views per month, I think he’s being modest! He grew up in the US and now calls Thailand home. He has an assignment in Africa already banked, waiting for the pandemic to pass.
He still recalls the tricky conversation with his Hong Kong Chinese Dad back in 2017 telling him he was going to can his career at LinkedIn to travel the world.
Today he is a full-time Youtube travel blogger and content creator with over 50 Youtube videos on Thailand alone. His portfolio of previous work includes work at elephant sanctuaries, in Thailand and in Laos. You might think a pandemic and a newborn son might have slowed Christopher down? Far from it, he’s now in hot demand for family adventures.
‘Elephant riding has been a part of the Thai culture for hundreds of years, however, caring for and maintaining their well-being for the greater future is on Thailand’s radar.
Do YOUR part, and please do research before you decide to ride or partake in any type of animal tourism. Just a little research might change your decision for a brighter future!’ Christopher
James ‘I’m just a guy who is passionate about photography’ is Thai, with an international upbringing. He too was educated in the US before taking off to study in Japan. He has been taking photos for four years and became serious when on a trip to Osaka his friend suggested he put some of his photos on Instagram. The world loves his photos, with nearly 35,000 followers. His clients have included Mercedes-Benz, Mandarin Oriental, Samsung and Air Asia to name a few.
There is an air of excitement amongst us all. We know how fortunate we are to roam free in Thailand, something not lost on us when looking at the plight of domesticated elephants. We are also appreciative to have been offered this opportunity and feel the responsibility to share our experiences and what we learnt.
It’s a complex situation, in Thailand elephants moved from the wild into warfare, into logging and into tourism. Wild elephant numbers are decreasing, as are their natural habitats. Elephant tourism has had its fair share of criticism over the years. Images of cruel training, inhumane conditions and sad elephants fill social media.
The dilemma is that Thailand’s elephant tourism does pay for the upkeep of the 3600+ captive elephants, some of whom are now third or fourth generation ‘domesticated’ elephants. It’s a tough, tough world out there without the tourist’s baht for people and elephants. World Animal Protection is urging travellers to find tourism opportunities that prioritise elephant welfare
These photos were taken at the following elephant sanctuaries which the Tourism Authority of Thailand showcased on our trip as examples of organisations offering best-practice and sustainable solutions for Thailand elephant tourism industry.
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang
A government-run centre with an elephant hospital.
We visited the elephant hospital and had an opportunity to observe elephants roaming at the centre, observed by their Mahouts.
Elephant Care Conservation Centre – Lampang
‘Elephant tourism is wildly popular in Thailand and many come here just to see the elephants. It is important we make sure we visit them ethically. It is good to know that Thailand understands this and is beginning the work to ensure healthy and happy lives for the elephants’. James @Jmspht
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai :
A new dimension of seeing, feeling and touching the elephants in the wild open space.
Here we fed the elephants sugar-cane & healthy elephant food we had made at a workshop. We had the opportunity to bath them in the local river. (showers and clothes are provided)
www.kantaelephantsanctuary.com
Patara Elephant Farm, Chiang Mai
A rescue, recovery, reproduction and reintroduction back to the wild centre for elephants with education and meaningful tourism sharing.
Here we attended a workshop informing us about Thailand’s elephant studies, we watched the vets in action with the elephants and joined a morning tea in a treehouse observation building to watch the elephants roam, with their mahouts.
The mahouts at Patara really let the elephants walk around and have some freedom. This photo clearly shows how majestic elephants are. They are happily grazing in the field and to me, it shows them off more in a natural habitat. Go where Kate Goes
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park, Chiang Mai
An eco-friendly, naturally built, outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making elephant poo paper!
A fun afternoon with entertaining hosts who guide you through the process of making elephant poo paper. Craft activities are offered, there are a cafe and a gift shop.
Mike @Thailandee, Kate, James and Christopher with their poo paper!
I reflect that TAT have a golden opportunity to develop an ongoing working relationship with these Influencers who let’s face it if the borders were open would be off travelling the world.
There was a beautiful, supportive camaraderie amongst all the Influencers keen to obtain the best images to raise awareness and discuss elephant care issues directly with their followers. They are articulate, interested and not afraid to speak up on the delicate issue of elephant tourism.
Christopher & James using the drone for sky-high images of our resort
Final thoughts
I learnt that it isn’t easy releasing them into the wild. These elephants for centuries have been around people and it takes great preparation to release them back to nature. This is a long process and will take time before we notice colossal changes, ones important to Thailand’. Go Where Kate Goes
‘Elephant riding is cultural, it will not disappear whilst there is the demand. However, your tourist money can help control elephant tourism and in this respect, we are all Influencers. Educate yourself, and select ethical elephant centres. Through this, we can hopefully drive out the bad and support those who have prioritised elephant welfare’. Christopher See Lau Travel
This article has first appeared in The Big Chilli Bangkok – January 2021 and February 2021
Thanks to Kate Pepper @gowherekategoes, Christopher Lau @seelautravel and James @jmspht for their contributions to this post.
For further articles from those present check out:
Mike Thailande: French Travel Writer found here
Hole in the Donut Barbara Should Tourists in Thailand ride Elephants or not?
Little Wandering Wren Elephant hugs and more
40 comments
Hello Wren,
Great post. I would love to just see the elephants in the wild. I would not have to touch them or ride on them, just seeing them would be a treat. Awesome photos! Take care, enjoy your day!
Hi Eileen – Thailand needs more tourists like you, and I know you would take some awesome photos of these gentle giants.
Have a great Sunday
Wren x
Hi Wren, Nice to see that there are people working to bring awareness to the plight of the elephants. It seems these gentle giants have been a friend to mankind for a long time and I do hope that the increased publicity helps to provide humane and ethical conditions for them. Good post – wonderful photos. Let’s hope we can all get back to traveling soon! Take care x K
Hello Karen couldn’t agree with your more in all regards here. I was incredibly blessed to have been invited to participate on this trip. Here’s to a return to travel fpr all.
Happy Sunday
Wren x
Very interesting. I’m glad people are trying to help the elephants. Thank you for this post.
Hello Linda – Thank you I am pleased you enjoyed the post.
Wren x
Hello Wren,
I really enjoyed your elephants photos, great post on the Thailand elephants. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your Sunday! Have a happy new week! PS, thanks for leaving me a comment.
Thank you Eileen – have a happy new week too!
Wren x
Wren ~ wonderful post and photos about the Elephant Influencers ~ so glad they are there for the sweet elephants ~ Xox
Moment by moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hello Carol – thank you for your kind words! Sending you some Thai sunshine to your part of the world!
Wren x
That looks like it was quite the experience.
Oh Liz, it truly was. I was so grateful to be included. 2020 was been so tricky in so many regards and it’s easy to forget the impacts of the pandemic on the animals. Thanks for stopping by.
Wren x
Wow! Hope tourism will help in maintaining and preserving these beautiful creatures.
Thank you Shiju I do too, when elephant tourism is handled responsibly then these beautiful creatures can be preserved and continued to be treasured.
Wren x
Wonderful post. I learned a lot from you. I also learned I don’t want to get stuck between 2 elephants (LOL). Have a grand week!!
Yes beware the elephant after her sugar cane fix which is few and far between because there are no longer any tourists!! I love Christopher’s photo here, he draws people into the plight of elephants in a light hearted way. Thank you Cathy for stopping by I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Wren x
That really is amazing! I didn’t know a lot about this country and it really is fascinating! Thanks for taking the time to do such an informative post and to include links! I’ll spend some time visiting other sites you’ve mentioned. Enjoy your week!
Thank you Diane – enjoy reading up on this I think you will also enjoy Barbara’s post which is linked on hole in the donut, she is a fellow American who came to Chiang Mai from Florida your neck of the woods! I am happy that you are getting to know more about Thailand too through my posts. have a happy week!
Wren x
I’m so in love with this post…what beautiful animals. They are so lucky to have experienced that, I love the photos!
Oh Rain, this trip was truly a highlight in my 2020 but with it came the knowledge of the plight of the elephants I write more about this on my next post – so do come back for more and in the meantime Thank you! I am happy that you have loved this post!
Hello Wren, oh how fun to go see all of those elephants and what a great experience. I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the photos.
Thank you Julie I am happy that you have enjoyed this post. The trip was an amazing experience as with many things here where I am a guest in a far away land, I too had no idea of the complexity of the elephant situation – more in the next post. I am so happy you have enjoyed the post and photos.
Wren x
Wren – I have a bit of a negative impression of “influencers”, but this example makes me think that perhaps some of them are focused on important initiatives. Elephant tourism is complex in a number of ways. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking post! And for joining Mosaic Monday!
Hello Angie, You and me together! I though TAT, our Thai Tourism did an amazing job to get such a diverse group of people together, in ages and backgrounds. I remember Christopher saying he never likes to be called an Influencer for exactly your impressions but all of those featured here have a following who are interested in what they do and where they go. Elephant Care is such a complex issue, it has literally taken me weeks to get my head around the rights and wrongs, and my own cultural overlays and Thai history and tradition, I share my own thoughts in the next post As always thank you for reading and your great contributions to my comments.
Wren x
A wonderful post, Wren. I wouldn’t mind hanging out with the elephants, doing nothing more than petting them, grooming them, swimming in the river with them, and talking and walking with them. That part about releasing the elephants back into the wild is tough had me thinking of indoor cats who suddenly are out on their own. I’m glad there’s at least one compassionate elephant sanctuary in the world.
You have this spot on Su-sieee! That has been exactly my issue and the reason I have had to process this for a while. I was asked if I had any pets? Well you know my gorgeous loving Crazy Poodle back in Australia? My heart missed a beat when they suggested the thought about releasing the elephants, is the same as saying to me you need to let your pooch go because he was once a wild animal … same, same but different?! Oh my it is all so complex, I try to formulate my ideas in the next post! Cheers to the compassionate elephant sanctuaries as you say.
Have a great week
Wren x
Wonderful trip for you, thank you for sharing. I honestly don’t “get” Instagram (all our grandchildren are on it of course) but I enjoyed your inclusions. …I would love to just see these wonderful animals out in the wild where they really belong. I wouldn’t want to ride one anyway, that’s never seemed right to me.
Thank you Sallie – Instagram is fun, I enjoy the micro blogging side of it and the easy way to show photos and connect, but it is another time consuming thing! Your comment was exactly my position when I joined the tour, it got a whole lot more complicated when we discussed why it is not so easy to just release elephants in Thailand And then when the Vets tell us that ‘domesticated’ elephants are not getting the exercise they need and that riding does not harm them and is good for their health well …. as you can tell it is complex. I appreciate your thoughts as always to be continued!
In the meantime have a lovely week
Wren x
Love all these shots. I’ve read that riding elephants is cruel and should no longer be done.
They took some wonderful photos didn’t they, it was incredible being around the elephants and learning from the vets who had some interesting thoughts on riding elephants, I have always shared your view but will discuss more in the next post.
Happy weekend!
Wren x
This is a lovely post, and the photographs are wonderful.
We must hope we can all get back to traveling soon, however, here in the UK today we have been told not to book any holidays!!!
Take care, stay safe and well.
All the best Jan
I keep a very close eye on the UK with family there and know how tough it is for you. With our family in Australia it is a similar situation we hope this vaccine can open some travel routes soon. Thank you for enjoying this post.
Wren x
What an amazing opportunity. Elephants are majestic mighty gentle giants. I think they like all creatures should be protected from poachers. Beautiful photos, thank you.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade
Thanks Dawn I really appreciate both the time you have taken to share your thoughts here and the opportunities that have been presented to be whilst here in Thailand. I very much hope that I have been able to do these gentle giants justice with my writing. The next post contains more thoughts and can be found here:https://www.littlewanderingwren.com/2021/02/16/elephant-hugs-and-more-an-insight-into-thailand-elephant-tourism/
Have a lovely weekend
Wren x
From poo to new! I hope that guy doesn’t become an elephant sandwich! I am so glad that the world is slowly changing to support animals. They are the best of us.
Haha Sharon, Yes luckily those elephants are well-behaved! Elephants have my heart too.
Have a wonderful day, thank you for stopping by
Wren x
Hi Wren! What a wonderful post. I can’t imagine the joy of being so near to these huge beasts — that one photo of you right by their heads and the big grin on your face said it all! That really was a wonderful opportunity and a fabulous trip — and I learned a lot here, too! Happy weekend and traveling!
Hello Jeanie – I’m so happy you found this post. Stay tuned as I’m just about to write about another local elephant sanctuary I visited. Yes huge beasts, huge issues to be tackled. I appreciate you reading.
Wren x
Elephant welfare and responsible tourism is important. Unfortunately the three elephant camps you mention offer elephant riding, bathing, use of bullhooks and breeding. Chaining when tourists aren’t there is also a possibility. There are places that have more ethical practices and still allow an educational and close experience. You will be part of the solution and feel good about visiting and supporting one of these -Elephant Nature Park, Asian Elephant Projects, Changchil, Somboon, Burn and Emily’s, Boon Lotts, Kindred Spririts, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Mandolao, Hidden Forest, Following Giants. Do some research on your own. The excuse many use is gotta visit elephant camps no matter their welfare practices so elephants don’t starve is not going to move ethical elephant welfare forward. Camps will not change to more humane practices if tourists continue to go there.
Hello Laura, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and highlighting the importance of responsible tourism and ethical elephant welfare. You’re absolutely right – supporting facilities that prioritize humane practices is crucial for the well-being of these magnificent animals. The approach at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (nr Hua Hin) is another good example of a hands-off experience enables visitors to feed and get up close and personal with their rescue elephants in a cruelty-free and non-exploitative way.
I appreciate your recommendations here, it’s great to have your inputs. It’s essential that we all do our research and choose to support organizations that align with ethical practices to help drive positive change in elephant tourism.
Have a great day!
Wren x