Elephants are the calmest and most gifted mammals on the planet. They are generally free, especially in Thailand, a country where they are particularly pampered. Unfortunately, some elephants are taken and chained for entertainment purposes.
Thong Bai, a famous male elephant from Thailand, is a dark witness. This imposing elephant is known throughout the kingdom and has entertained visitors to Thailand throughout the year for over 40 years.
Lek Chailert, creator of the Elephant Sanctuary, is campaigning for the protection and recovery of elephants. He posts the story of Thong Bai on Facebook, recounting the journey of this extraordinary animal.
“He has served the population for more than forty years and has the right to freedom,” says Mr. Chailert.
For over 40 years, Thong Bai has finally broken free from his chains and is now free to roam. Thong Bai, a personal elephant, has appeared in Thai commercials, beers, film shoots and, most importantly, weddings. It is processed in the Surin region.
A year before releasing him, Lek led Khun NuNa Silpa-archa to the said province to see Thong Bai and other animals.
Khun NuNa was particularly struck by ThongBai’s presence and situation. She was deeply touched and decided to help the animals in the region. “Seeing Thong Bai, she tried to rescue him and give him more dignity and freedom,” says Lek.
This meeting resulted in the release of ThongBai. Khun NuNa Silpa-archa did everything possible to help the elephants and obtained the release of ThongBai twelve months later.
The masters of ThongBai and the elephant protection associations reached a compromise. The old animal now has a space where it can lead a life without attachments. His new home is part of the Surin project, which aims to provide better living conditions for elephants and strengthen the financial situation of their owners.
