Target: Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism – Thailand
Goal: End the exploitation of elephants in tourism by prohibiting elephant riding.
Elephant riding has become a popular tourist activity in Thailand, but it is also one of the most inhumane and exploitative practices in the industry. Elephants are subjected to physical and psychological abuse in order to make them submissive enough to be ridden by tourists. This has led to many elephants in these situations suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, chronic health problems caused by long hours standing on hard surfaces, carrying heavy loads, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. They are also often subjected to cruel training methods, such as being beaten with hooks and bullhooks. This practice is not only harmful to the welfare of the elephants, but it also harms the environment.
When elephants are forced to carry heavy loads of tourists on their backs, it can cause long-term damage to their spines and legs, making them unable to move freely and forage for food. Additionally, the increasing demand for elephant rides has resulted in many elephants being taken from their natural habitats and bred in captivity, further disrupting the natural ecosystem.
As the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has the power to end this inhumane practice by prohibiting elephant riding in all tourist activities. Instead, the ministry can promote ethical and sustainable elephant tourism, such as observing elephants in their natural habitats or volunteering at elephant sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being of these magnificent animals.
Sign below and demand the Ministry protect the welfare of elephants, preserve the natural environment, and set a positive example for other countries to follow.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn,
I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to end the exploitation of elephants in tourism by prohibiting elephant riding in Thailand. As the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, you have the power to end this inhumane practice that is not only harmful to the welfare of the elephants but also to the environment.
Elephants are subjected to physical and psychological abuse in order to make them submissive enough to be ridden by tourists. This has led to many elephants suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, chronic health problems caused by long hours standing on hard surfaces, carrying heavy loads, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. It also causes long-term damage to their spines and legs, making them unable to move freely and forage for food. Moreover, the increasing demand for elephant rides has resulted in many elephants being taken from their natural habitats and bred in captivity, further disrupting the natural ecosystem.
Instead, we urge you to promote ethical and sustainable elephant tourism, such as observing elephants in their natural habitats or volunteering at elephant sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being of these magnificent animals. By taking this action, you can help to protect the welfare of elephants, preserve the natural environment, and set a positive example for other countries to follow.
Please take action to end the exploitation of elephants in tourism by prohibiting elephant riding in Thailand. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Walter Lange
