As the national animal of Thailand, the elephant has a special place in Thai lore. Elephants were once numerous, ranging over extensive forest habitats that covered much of Northern Thailand till the middle of this century.
In former times the animal was the equivalent of a battle tank, an off-road vehicle and a ten wheel truck. The symbol of kingship since ancient times, a white elephant required such elaborate care that a gift of one from a king was enough to bring ruination to an over ambitious courtier; hence the English expression a 'white elephant'.
Ironically ordinary elephants have become 'white elephants' to poor mahouts, who are no longer able to find work for their animals logging in the hills and have to abandon them. The abandoned beasts are unable to find sufficient open land and have been destroying crops. As a result, they are hunted and shot.
Although numbering in their low thousands, only an estimated 15 baby elephants are born per year in the whole country. According to Dr. Preecha Phuangkham of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, the animal is facing the possibility of near extinction in Thailand within twenty years.

The Elephant Conservation Centre was set up in an attempt to redress the situation (Hill. Chiang Mai-Lampang Rd. km.76. 90 minute daily shows at 09:30 & 1100. Afternoon show 1400 Sat&Sun only. Adults 40 Bt. Local style restaurant. Tel: (0543229042). The extensive grounds of the centre include an elephant hospital. However, this camp alone is not enough. Whether the tourist elephant camps will help preserve the beast in Thailand is uncertain. Questions have been raised concerning treatment of the animals, and the restricted areas suitable for feeding has caused problems.
The elephant camps usually run programmes in the morning when mahouts (many of whom are Karen) get the animals to show their skills at shows and then take tourists on basic rides. If worked in the morning, the animals are generally left to feed in the afternoon.
The most convenient camps are the Mae Sa Elephant Camp (RI096km10to Samoeng) and the Tang Dao Elephant Camp (H107km.56 to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp). Several camps are located in the Mae Taeng Valley (H107 km.43 east turn 10 km). Remoter camps can offer more interesting scenery. If you plan to go trekking, an elephant ride may be included in the trek.