In Thailand there are around 3,800 domesticated elephants that are used in, or have been rescued from, activities such as logging, trekking camps or preforming in shows. What many people don’t realise is that every domesticated elephant, whether it is being used for rides or as a photo prop, has been through a torture process as a baby known as the ‘phajaan’. This process is carried out in order to break the elephant’s spirit and bond with its mother so that they become submissive and completely subservient to their owner. The calf is put into a cage known as ‘the crush’. It is repeatedly beaten with bullhooks (sharp spears) and other weapons, starved and burnt until it stops struggling and gives up. The process usually lasts around seven days but can sometimes be double that time.

Although there are now more examples of ethical tourism in Thailand, most elephants are still being exploited. It it thought that around three-quarters of the captive elephants in Thailand are in abusive situations with inadequate care.

If you choose to visit Thailand make sure that you have first properly researched a centre before visiting it. Spread the word about the exploitation of elephants in Thailand.

How to spot an ethical sanctuary:

• the elephants are allowed to socialise with one another if they wish

• no chains

• no rides, shows or opportunities to bathe with the elephants

• visitors will be instructed to keep a safe distance from the elephant and always have a mahout present if near an elephant

• mahouts will be trained to guide their elephants using positive reinforcement (such as food) and mostly allow elephants to roam freely, allowing for natural behaviours

• elephants will be given a varied and nutritious diet of fresh food, and allow them to also forage for themselves

• no breeding of the elephants. There are already too many captive elephants in Thailand and breeding programmes prolong the problem