Elephants in Thailand – living symbols of a nation

You can't go far in Thailand without coming across visual references to elephants. Not only were they beasts of burden, adept at working in rural areas, they were also the animal counterpart of tanks, and totally fearsome in battle. The elephant is an enduring symbol of the kingdom and was even in former times included in its national flag. Especially beloved, the elephant is credited not only with a great memory but intelligence and pleasant nature. White elephants are particularly revered. However, in the same way that no bat is completely deaf, no elephant is completely white – it just means their skin is unusually pale.

Still roaming free - occasionally

Wild elephants are still to be found in the north of Thailand, but most have been domesticated. In the past, they were captured and trained for work.  The Forestry Department still relies on trained elephants to get hold of illegal stores of logs, which poachers stock in areas where wheeled transport just can't get access. Alas, these days, elephants are in rapid decline. Just as sad, some of these magnificent beasts are used as beggars, with their mahout asking for food for them. Sometimes they can be seen on the streets of Bangkok, far from any home that might even be imaginable for them. Various bodies exist to help elephants and look after them, but it's proving difficult, as there are whole populations involved. 

Main types of elephant

There are two main species of elephant. The African Elephant is the larger and more aggressive. Look for the bigger ears which act as cooling fans and help enable the creature to survive in the open grasslands of Africa. The Indian elephant, which is to be found in Thailand, is a native of forest and jungle, so is smaller, allowing it to move around more easily. They are completely vegetarian and munch on a whole variety of plant life here in Thailand. Tamarinds, bananas and sugar cane make for their favorite foods.

Elephant ways

Elephants band together in small herds of up to 20 individuals, with an alpha male as a leader. If you threaten a herd, expect to be charged by the males. Pregnancy amongst elephants lasts up to 2 years and when the mother is about to give birth, an elephant acts as midwife, making sure she and the offspring are safe and cared for. If an elephant is stillborn, the mother will grieve for several days and stays by the body. Most elephants live to be at least 70, but it's not unusual for them to attain a hundred years; there are plenty of elephants around today who were born in 1910.

On Koh Samui, elephants are used to carry tourists around and many people who come here love to go out in the jungle and ride one. It's a great way to experience the interior of the island.