When visiting Bangkok and some other cities in Thailand you may come across the exotic sight of an elephant walking down the city streets. The chances are the mahout (elephant keeper) will sell you bananas to feed the elephant, get the animal to perform a simple trick or charge you to have your photo taken. It is a simple transaction and the sight of an elephant in an urban environment something exciting that will add to your holiday.
However street elephants suffer the most terrible health problems, many are ill and drugged with amphetamines. The street begging is a racket played out at the elephant’s expense. Please think twice and refuse to give the mahout money. If street begging with elephants stops being profitable it will stop.
Click here to find out more about street elephants
If you are visiting Thailand and do want to have an elephant experience there are some much better alternatives. Email our
website for details
Reply to this 
