Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation

The issue of elephants in tourism in Thailand is a complex subject which often divides opinions. There is much debate about what does or does not constitute an ethical sanctuary. While tourists may know the names of some of the better-known elephant centres in Thailand, they may not be familiar with the people behind the scenes who are quietly working away to secure a better future for Thailand’s elephants. These are the unsung heroes who prove that not all heroes wear capes; sometimes, they wear veterinary scrubs. Take a bow, Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation.

A better life for Thailand’s elephants

Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF) is an officially registered charity dedicated to elephant health care and welfare. STEF provides free veterinary care to elephants in Southern Thailand. It’s a much-needed service and one which came to fruition thanks to the efforts of a remarkable band of animal lovers led by a Thai man, Jakrapob ‘Jake’ Thaotad.

When it comes to elephants, Khun Jake has lots of experience to draw on. His family has owned elephants for generations, and Jake has been committed to elephant welfare. Along with his cousin Lek, Jake established Phang Nga Elephant Park in 2015.

The Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation was a natural progression with STEF established in 2017. Not only does the foundation promote the health and welfare of domesticated elephants, but it also works to educate tourists and locals alike about elephant welfare.

Caring for sick and injured elephants

Jake is a medical sciences graduate and studied clinical microbiology in London. He recognised the need to improve the welfare of elephants in Thailand, and rather than just talk, he took proactive steps to make a difference by providing free veterinary care.

STEF has opened an elephant hospital in Khok Kloi, north of Phuket. The facility in Phang Nga province occupies land that has been reclaimed from an old rubber plantation. A specialist veterinary team works at the hospital. In addition, STEF operates a mobile clinic so that vets can travel to remote areas in Southern Thailand to treat sick or injured elephants. This dual approach ensures that no elephant is beyond the reach of essential medical attention.

The importance of the mahout

The role of the elephant handler or mahout (also known in Thai as kwan chang) cannot be understated. In many cases, the role has been passed down from generation to generation, and there is a genuine and deep bond between the mahout and the elephant. Sadly, at some elephant centres, handlers are employed who are inexperienced and lack the knowledge required. This gives the many good mahouts a bad name, and STEF strives to support elephant handlers.

In an ideal world, there would be no captive elephants. At the moment, that is not practical. The natural habitat for wild elephants is being lost at an alarming rate because of the human impacts of deforestation, farming, and plantations. There simply isn’t enough forest space left to return all the domesticated elephants. Even if there were, domesticated elephants would struggle to survive in the wild.

Anyone who cares about elephant welfare has to work with the reality of the situation. To help the elephants, STEF is working together with elephant owners to educate them about elephant care and welfare. This includes providing free veterinary support.

Education

Beyond providing medical care, STEF champions education as a catalyst for lasting change. The foundation actively collaborates with local communities, mahouts, and the public to raise awareness about elephant welfare. Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on projects, STEF cultivates a culture of empathy and responsible care. This educational outreach is crucial in reshaping traditional practices and inspiring future generations to prioritise the well-being of elephants.

Find out more

The work of the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation is laudable. It is also expensive. As a non-government organisation (NGO), STEF relies on donations. They are a small charity run almost entirely by volunteers.

To find out more about the foundation and practical ways to support them, visit their website and social media pages:

Website | Facebook

Phang Nga Elephant Park
The elephant hospital in Phang Nga isn’t open to the public, but visits by professional vets can be arranged. However, the nearby Phang Nga Elephant Park (run by STEF founder and trustee, Khun Jake) is open to the public.

Photos: Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF) Facebook page

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