Captive elephants still suffering in Thailand, but new report finds some hope

Most elephants used in Thailand's tourism industry continue to suffer in captivity, according to new World Animal Protection research.

Nearly two in three captive elephants are still living in poor conditions, despite some limited progress since the last assessment in 2019.

Elephants continue to endure short chaining, inadequate diets, dirty living conditions, lack of veterinary care and forced tourist interactions including riding, washing and shows.

New research exposes ongoing elephant welfare failures

The research, led by World Animal Protection elephant expert and wildlife veterinarian Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, assessed 236 tourism venues housing 2,849 elephants across Thailand between February 2024 and January 2025.

The findings are published in Bred to Entertain - A new assessment capturing 15 years of Thailand's elephant tourism industry, released on 12 January 2026.

Using nine animal welfare criteria, the study found persistently low welfare standards across venues, with results almost identical to those recorded in 2019.

“This demonstrates that the serious concerns about the welfare of elephants in tourism venues remain largely unchanged,” says Dr Jan.

“And in our report we are no way giving the impression that the third of elephants kept in higher scoring venues are kept in perfect conditions. Captivity is not an adequate situation for elephants – even conditions at elephant-friendly venues aren’t perfect.”

Elephant riding and shows continue to cause suffering

The research confirms a continued decline in elephant riding. In 2010, 92% of captive elephants were used for rides. By 2024, this had fallen to 43%.

"While impressive, this drop needs to be put into perspective as the overall number of captive elephants in tourism has increased by more than 70% in the same timeframe. So, the actual number of elephants used for rides has only decreased by 20%." explains Dr Jan.

We have long documented the severe physical and psychological harm caused by elephant rides and shows, driven by harsh training methods and restrictive living conditions that prevent elephants from expressing natural behaviours.

Research finds chaining and restricted movement widespread

All 236 venues were visited in person by trained researchers, often without prior notice.

More than half of all elephants were kept on short chains during the day, with limited opportunity for social interaction.

Only a quarter could interact freely with other elephants while unchained, and many spent long periods standing on concrete in noisy environments.

Washing experiences mislead tourists

While riding and shows are declining, elephant washing and care experiences have increased. In 2024, more than half of all captive elephants were kept at venues offering washing or care-taking activities.

These venues often market themselves as sanctuaries or rescue centres, misleading tourists into believing these experiences are ethical. In reality, elephants are denied choice and compelled to interact with unfamiliar visitors.

Elephants do not need tourists help to be washed. In the wild, and in genuine sanctuaries, elephants are fully capable of keeping themselves clean.

Observation-only venues increasing

Encouragingly, observation-only elephant experiences with no direct human contact are increasing.

In 2024, 7.3% of captive elephants were kept at venues offering observation only experiences, compared with 4.6% in 2010.

“In many instances, venues offering purely observational experiences have received the highest welfare condition scores in our research as they also adopted best practice elephant management routines. But just because a venue offers observational experiences, better welfare for the animals is not guaranteed,” says Dr Jan.

He explains that in truly high quality, spacious observation-only venues, elephants are encouraged and enabled to maximise their environment autonomously and to forage and explore. “They will also have opportunities for socialising with other elephants, and their mahouts will be skilled in managing elephants humanely.”

Driving change for elephants in tourism

Elephants should live in their natural habitat, but for the thousands of captive elephants used in tourism this isn’t a possibility.

We are advocating for the best life possible for these animals and for policies to ensure that no more elephants are born or forced into a life in captivity for commercial tourism. This would ensure that unacceptable practices do not expand to a new generation of elephants.

We have worked in Thailand since 2017 to support venues to move away from exploitative practices. Thirteen venues have already transitioned to higher-welfare models.

Globally, more than 200 travel companies have committed to wildlife-friendly policies and no longer sell elephant rides or other exploitative wildlife experiences.

However, many companies continue to promote harmful interactions.

What can you do as a tourist?

To be a wildlife-friendly traveller, make sure you prioritise activities with high animal welfare. 

Opt to see animals in the wild if possible, as this has the least impact on wildlife. Wildlife Heritage Areas provide designated protected areas that protect animals, the environment, and local communities through ethical tourism.

If choosing to see elephants at a venue or santuary, research authentic experiences and venues that provide great care for them. Read more in our Elephant Friendly Tourist Guide.

Book with travel companies that have taken the Wildlife-Friendly Pledge, and avoid ones that have not.

We can all choose to protect animals by travelling responsibly. 

Read the Bred To Entertain Report here.