Elephant riding in Thailand: Should we support this industry?
Many tourists visiting Phuket and other Thai resorts dream of seeing elephants. For some, it's a symbol of the country; for others, it's an opportunity to take unusual photos or gain new experiences. That's why elephant excursions remain among the most popular with travelers.
However, behind the beautiful advertising photos and tourist brochures lies a question that is increasingly debated worldwide: how ethical is elephant riding, and do the animals really enjoy such work?
Let's explore how the elephant riding industry emerged, why many animal welfare organizations oppose it, and what alternatives exist today in Phuket.
The Elephant – A Symbol of Thailand
The elephant holds a special place in Thailand's history and culture. For centuries, these animals helped people develop hard-to-reach areas, participated in military campaigns, and were used for construction and transporting goods.
White elephants are still considered a symbol of royal power and national pride today.
At the same time, it's important to understand that the Asian elephant is not just a domesticated animal. It is a large, intelligent, and social creature with complex behavior and a highly developed emotional system. Research shows that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror, remember people and places for many years, care for their family members, and even mourn the loss of their kin.
That's why attitudes towards them are gradually changing, not only among tourists but also among Thais themselves.
How Elephant Riding Came About
For centuries, elephants were actively used in Thailand's logging industry. They helped transport logs through jungles and performed heavy labor where machinery was powerless.
The situation changed dramatically in 1989 when a ban on commercial logging was introduced in the country.
Thousands of elephant owners and mahouts found themselves without their primary source of income. Many were forced to find new work for their animals, and that's when the tourist industry related to elephants began to actively develop.
Shows, performances, photo shoots, and elephant rides started appearing all over the country. For tourists, it seemed like an interesting introduction to local culture, but over time, more and more specialists began to pay attention to the animals' living conditions.
Why Elephant Riding is Controversial
The main reason is not the act of carrying a person itself, but the conditions that often accompany such entertainment.
For a large wild animal to calmly allow people to sit on its back, follow commands, and work among many tourists, extensive training is required.
In recent years, attitudes towards this process have changed significantly. More and more international organizations are calling for an end to entertainment involving animal exploitation and supporting more humane forms of interaction.
Furthermore, constant strain can negatively affect the health of some animals, especially if it involves long hours of work without sufficient rest.
That's why the concept of responsible tourism is actively developing in many countries worldwide today.
What Has Changed in Recent Years
While just ten years ago most tourist camps offered only riding and show programs, the situation looks different today.
Particularly significant changes occurred after the pandemic. Many elephant farms re-evaluated their operations and began transitioning to more modern models of interaction with animals.
Programs have emerged where the main focus is on observing elephants, feeding them, walking alongside them, and learning about their history and behavior.
More and more tourists are choosing this type of recreation.
A notable example of change was the decision of one of Thailand's most famous shows – Siam Niramit. In 2026, the organizers completely abandoned animal participation in performances, opting instead for modern stage technologies, impressive scenery, special effects, and the skill of actors. This decision received support from both tourists and organizations advocating for responsible animal treatment, becoming further confirmation that Thailand's tourism industry is gradually moving towards more ethical and modern forms of entertainment.
However, the elephant riding industry has not entirely disappeared. The reason is simple – demand still exists. Many travelers come to Thailand specifically with the desire to ride an elephant, and some camps continue to offer such services.
As in any tourism sector, it is demand that shapes supply.
What are Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries?
Today, centers operate in Phuket and other regions of Thailand that prioritize the most gentle treatment of animals.
The main goal of such places is to provide elephants with decent living conditions, regular care, and veterinary assistance.
During a visit, guests can observe the animals, feed them, accompany them on walks, help prepare treats, and learn more about each elephant's history.
Such programs allow for a much closer acquaintance with the animals than ordinary riding, and without creating additional strain.
Many tourists note that such interactions become one of the most vivid impressions of their trip to Thailand.
Can Elephants Simply Be Released into the Wild?
This question is often asked by tourists.
In practice, it's much more complex. Most elephants living today in tourist centers and sanctuaries were born in captivity or have spent many years alongside humans.
They do not possess the skills for independent survival in the wild and would not be able to fully exist without human care.
Therefore, modern ethical centers focus not on releasing animals into the forest, but on creating the most comfortable living conditions under constant supervision of specialists.
Why the Tourist's Choice Really Matters
Every ticket purchased influences the development of the tourism industry.
When travelers start choosing programs based on respectful treatment of animals, more and more camp owners change their approach to work.
In recent years, dozens of elephant centers across Thailand have abandoned shows and focused on educational tours. This largely happened due to changing tourist preferences.
Today, travelers increasingly choose not photos riding an elephant, but the opportunity to see animals in a peaceful setting and learn more about their lives.
What Type of Elephant Excursion to Choose in Phuket
Phuket offers various elephant excursion options – from combined programs to visits to specialized sanctuaries.
Currently, we offer booking for two ethical centers where interaction with elephants is structured without riding and with maximum respect for the animals. These are the programs "Elephants in Phuket WITHOUT RIDING" and "Bathing with Elephants on the Beach", which allow you to get acquainted with these amazing animals, feed them, spend time alongside them, and learn more about their lives and behavioral characteristics.
For tourists who want to combine an elephant visit with a rich excursion program, tours to "Khao Lak National Park" and "Amazing Phang Nga + Mai Khao" are also available. These excursions offer the option to voluntarily decline elephant riding and choose a more ethical form of interaction – feeding, bathing, and observing the animals in a peaceful environment.
We sincerely hope that more and more travelers will choose this format of getting acquainted with elephants, because it is tourist demand that helps develop a more responsible and humane attitude towards animals in Thailand.
Conclusion
Elephants remain one of Thailand's main attractions and an important part of the country's culture. Getting to know these amazing animals during your vacation is truly worthwhile.
However, modern tourism is gradually moving towards a more responsible and respectful attitude towards nature. More and more tourists are choosing conscious interactions with animals over mere entertainment.
Perhaps this format allows for the most genuine emotions and preserves the most important thing – respect for those for whom we come on these excursions.
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