Chiang Mai, Thailand – In a renewed effort to reform elephant tourism practices, animal welfare advocates have called on local camps to institute a strict no-touch policy amid growing concerns over both animal welfare and tourist safety. This call for change, emerging in early March 2025, comes as direct interactions—such as bathing and hand-feeding—remain common attractions in many camps.
Elephant encounters continue to draw large numbers of tourists to Thailand, yet ethical practices are under intense scrutiny. Organizations such as World Animal Protection and Trunks Up argue that many camps, while marketing themselves as ethical, still facilitate close contact with the animals. In Chiang Mai alone, nearly 90 camps provide homes for more than 870 elephants, creating a challenging landscape for travelers seeking genuine no-contact experiences.
Recent incidents have added urgency to these calls for reform. A fatal accident involving a 22-year-old Spanish tourist at Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Phangnga last December has heightened safety concerns, prompting industry experts and animal rights groups to reassess current practices. The pandemic’s impact on tourism further complicated the situation, leaving many sanctuaries dependent on donations while struggling to maintain ethical standards.
A shift toward no-touch policies is gradually taking shape. Blue Daily Elephant Care Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, for instance, offers a model where rescued elephants roam freely over 50 acres without forced human interaction. The sanctuary prioritizes the animals’ natural behaviors, ensuring that any contact occurs only if initiated by the elephants themselves.
Some visitors have expressed difficulty in finding truly ethical sanctuaries. A French university student noted that many camps claim ethical standards despite offering activities like mud baths, while a New Zealand tourist emphasized that their decision to visit a no-touch sanctuary was reinforced by past safety concerns. A seasoned guide at Blue Daily, with over ten years of experience, reiterated that the primary focus remains the well-being of the elephants over any tourist engagement.
