Elephant Activities in Thailand: Choices, Welfare Standards, and Responsible Tourism
Last updated: 3 Feb 2026
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Thailand has established clear standards and guidelines for elephant care.
At present, elephant camps are encouraged to follow the Elephant Camp Standards (มก.อช.) developed by the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS). These standards serve as a reference framework and practical guideline for elephant facilities across the country. They cover various types of camps, including tourism-based, conservation-focused, and educational centers, with emphasis on rest periods, health checks, food and water management, living environments, and overall safety for elephants.
At the same time, Thailand also enforces the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act B.E. 2557 (2014), which sets legal penalties for those who fail to comply with animal-welfare principles. This law aims to raise and maintain consistent standards of animal care nationwide.
The Difference Between Riding and Non-Riding Elephant Activities
Many travelers visiting Thailand often ask which type of activity is more suitable.
Tourism experts note that elephant-related programs today come in many forms and are generally considered a personal choice, as each option provides a different kind of experience.
Riding Experience
Non-Riding Activities
At present, elephant camps are encouraged to follow the Elephant Camp Standards (มก.อช.) developed by the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS). These standards serve as a reference framework and practical guideline for elephant facilities across the country. They cover various types of camps, including tourism-based, conservation-focused, and educational centers, with emphasis on rest periods, health checks, food and water management, living environments, and overall safety for elephants.
At the same time, Thailand also enforces the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act B.E. 2557 (2014), which sets legal penalties for those who fail to comply with animal-welfare principles. This law aims to raise and maintain consistent standards of animal care nationwide.
The Difference Between Riding and Non-Riding Elephant Activities
Many travelers visiting Thailand often ask which type of activity is more suitable.
Tourism experts note that elephant-related programs today come in many forms and are generally considered a personal choice, as each option provides a different kind of experience.
Riding Experience
- Enjoy natural scenery from a higher viewpoint
- Supervised by trained and professional staff
- Time limits and weight controls are applied for safety
Non-Riding Activities
- Feeding elephants
- Bathing elephants
- Preparing vitamin balls or supplements
- Close interaction and photography
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Join us in celebrating the wonders of nature as we feed these gentle giants!
Thailand has a long cultural and historical bond with elephants, where many caretakers view them as part of their families and communities. While global discussions about animal welfare sometimes lead to criticism, it is important to understand that elephant care practices vary widely and continue to evolve. Historical cases from different countries also show that mistreatment of elephants has occurred worldwide, not in one place alone. Today, many Thai elephant camps and sanctuaries are shifting toward ethical tourism models that focus on feeding, bathing, observation, and education rather than heavy labor. Promoting accurate information, transparency, and cross-cultural dialogue can help build mutual understanding and improve elephant welfare standards internationally.
One common belief circulating online is that elephant care in Thailand must absolutely prohibit the use of hooks (often called elephant hooks or bull hooks) to be considered ethical and humane. However, this assumption oversimplifies how elephant welfare is actually understood in scientific, veterinary, and practical management contexts.
