The Majestic White Elephants of Thailand
Being a symbol of monarchy and having it’s rooted bound tightly linked to the Brahminist presence, elephants in Thailand have been a longstanding symbol of the country’s history and culture. Only ten years ago, the population of elephants in Thailand was soaring at 4000, where in today’s day the country houses a mere 2500 (roughly) in the hills and city landscapes alike.
There are several factors, which have contributed to this decline in the elephant population. Environmental factors such as land degradation through deforestation, poaching and a lack of employment for the Mahouts (master) and elephants. As a result, tourism in major city centers such as Bangkok, have become a common means of gaining employment, despite the inherent risk factors involved in elephant living on city street.
Photograph Copyright: Jennifer Campos
