Elephants have played an important part Thai history for many centuries. As a beast of burden and also an enduring symbol of Thailand, they are involved with the economy and also the ecosystem. They are the umbrella species whose contribution means life for the whole system. For example, they disperse plant seeds and their trails widened by their big body are used by other smaller creatures, and even their dung piles are heaven for small insects.
Currently, the life of wild elephants is facing both direct threats (e.g., poaching for ivory and body parts) and indirect threats (e.g., habitat loss). Therefore, every March 13th is designated as “Thai Elephant Day” in order to raise awareness toward importance of elephants for Thai people, especially the young.
Apart from conducting several studies on elephant conservation in Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand Program has also held an annual event called “Pa La-U Elephant Conservation Week” since 2013 to pass on the knowledge to the public in terms of elephants and current situations such as threats, human-elephant conflicts.
On March 10th, 2016, WCS Thailand in collaboration with Kaeng Krachan National Park (KKNP) together with government sections came to celebrate “Thai Elephant Conservation Day 2016” at the ranger station in Kaeng Krachan National Park. The government officials and the local participated in many activities such as merit making, a talk on “How to find solutions for KKNP Elephant Problems”, artificial saltlick construction, filling up water in natural water resources in preparation for drought. Leaders and representatives from local communities, the military and media from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province joined in this event.
In addition, WCS Thailand also arranged other conservation activities on March 11-13, 2016 such as elephant exhibition presenting elephant roles and elephant conservation in KKNP, environmental education, and also ‘Elephants and Buddhism’.