Throughout the history of the country, elephants faithfully served people. The elephant is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, so its figurines are often given as gifts to colleagues and business partners. Images of elephants in Thailand can be found almost everywhere: they are applied to the walls of houses, dishes, textiles, etc.
Ban on the export of elephants from Thailand
Unfortunately, these powerful animals are of great value to poachers. Many elephants were killed for the purpose of extracting ivory. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, more than one hundred thousand domestic elephants lived on the territory of the state, while the number of animals living in the wild was almost impossible to calculate. Thus, it is not known how many elephants suffered at the hands of profit lovers.
In 2009, as part of the fight against animal cruelty, the Thai authorities officially announced a ban on the export of elephants. Violators of the law faced heavy fines and even prison terms. Immediately there were people who advocated the lifting of the ban. About 4,000 wild elephants currently live in Thailand, according to the National Parks Department. The animal population is increasing by about 7% annually.
The lifting of the export ban and the consequences of the relaxations
In 2019, the ban was lifted. However, today elephants can only be exported for scientific and diplomatic purposes. Permits for the export of animals are issued individually for each person who applies.
Officials from the National Parks Department said the lifting of the ban does not give a free hand to hunters who profit from the sale of goods made from the killing of wild elephants. Hunting to this day remains illegal and punishable by law. The new elephant export rules are quite strict. They have been designed in such a way that they do not violate animal safety and conservation laws.
The above department assumed responsibility for checking and issuing permits. Today, the exchange of animals is possible between museums and academic institutions.
Elephants are also actively used to expand the state's tourism industry. Riding these exotic animals is very popular with visitors to Phuket. Only on the island there are more than a dozen farms where everyone can take part in the attraction. In addition, the owners of the farms offer guests to become spectators of unique shows where elephants act as direct participants. The most fearless can even swim with the baby elephant.
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