Isaan - The Next Big Tourist Attraction?

[Andrew Hicks]

Lots of good ideas, Andrew, but fewer, not more, captive elephants, please.  The usefulness of the elephant as a working animal has long passed, so now we  should be trying to phase out the cruelty which goes with it.  The pitiful creatures one sees in the streets of Bangkok, Chiangmai and other cities are the flip side of the grand spectacles at the Surin Elephant Round-up.  Elephants in captivity are no less deplorable than the other miserable animals one sees in captivity throughout Thailand.

I agree with you.

I successful permanent elephant centre which makes money and keeps the animals in one place has a much better chance of caring for them properly though than the present situation where they are used as itinerant sellers of sugar cane.

It would be a beano for Surin as well.

Andrew

[isanbirder]

There is already one permanent centre, the Elephant Conservation Centre outside Lampang.  I don't think there's any need for another.

[dave the dude]

There is already one permanent centre, the Elephant Conservation Centre outside Lampang.  I don't think there's any need for another.

I agree and its quite nice to follow the elephants down to the river after the 'show' and see the Mahoots bathe the beasts. Great fun.

Dave