Elephant Riding
So back to the question: If elephant riding is important to you or seeing elephants no matter where they are... the most important thing you can do is be keenly aware of their potential experience. Look at how they are treated, what they are being asked to do, how much weight is on their backs, if the carriage may be rubbing on them, and mostly attune yourself to the possible emotional experience the elephant may be having. The issue is not to be shamed into changing what you do, it is to have a growing awareness and compassion for the animals you come in contact with... Then, You Decide. For me, this will likely be my last elephant ride (at least carriage style). I would have to feel pretty certain in my heart that the elephant wanted me to ride them... if I don't have that indication, then I will be honored to walk near them.
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy.... ... read more 
