The Thai Elephant - Symbol of Nation

            100 years ago there were at least 100,000 elephants in Thailand. They were a treasured resource. Now the number has dropped to under 5,000. Thai people love elephants. But other problems remain for elephants in Thailand. The forest surface has decreased a lot due to deforestation and eucalyptus plantations and now only represent 28 % of the Thailand. Shriking forests, poaching and conflicts with farmers have hit Thai elephants very hard..
With less work in the forests, less food in the forests, some mahouts bring their elephants in big cities like Bangkok. For mahouts it can be a good opportunity to earn money. Thai people and tourists have a soft spot in their hearts for the elephant. Bangkok administration has tried to chase elephants from the city since it's not allowed anymore. Elephant camps provide a place where elephant rides and performances generate enough for their food and health care. Tourism appears to be one answer with its good and bad consequences.

Photo taken of a Thai Elephant in Dreamworld. Quickly taken a shot standing in front of a elephant so close without any guard! 

De Aziatische olifant is een bedreigde diersoort en beschermd door de CITES-conventie. Thaise olifanten zijn echter altijd belangrijke arbeidskrachten geweest, gebruikt in oorlogen, transport en houtkap. De houtkap is sinds 1989 officieel verboden in Thailand, waardoor veel olifanten werkloos zijn geworden. Op drie manieren is er met olifanten nog geld te verdienen: bedelen in steden, illegale houtkap en olifantenkampen met shows en trekkings. Meest schrijnend is misschien wel de situatie van de straatolifanten. Hoewel de Thaise regering gelukkig het bedelen van olifanten in de steden een aantal jaar geleden heeft verboden.

Taken in: Thailand / Pathum Thani / Pathum Thani (show map)

Taken on: July 16, 2008

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Dreamworld

Elephants of Thailand

Thai elephant

Elephant rides

Symbol of Nation Thailand

Adventure park Dreamworld

Pet animal

Treasured resource

Less than 5000 elephants

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Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ8, f/4.0, 1/160 sec, 13.1mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Panasonic DMC-FZ8
Aperture:	f/4.0
Exposure Time:	0.006 sec (1/160)
Focal Length:	13.1mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Paint Shop Pro Photo 12,01
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