Elephants have always been seen as gentle giants, deeply respected across cultures for their intelligence and compassion. However, despite their revered status, these magnificent creatures have often been exploited for human entertainment through zoos, circuses, and various public events. One such elephant was Thong Bai, a symbol of both the beauty and the suffering of elephants in Thailand.
Thong Bai, a giant bull elephant, has long been recognized as the symbol of Surin province in Thailand, a region famously known as the “land of elephants.” For over forty years, Thong Bai’s remarkable presence was used to draw tourists and locals alike. His majestic stature and calm demeanor made him an icon, but behind the scenes, his life was marked by servitude. For decades, he was paraded in public events, made to perform, and featured in beer advertisements, films, and wedding ceremonies, often to the delight of onlookers who had little understanding of the toll such a life took on him.
Throughout these long years, voices began to rise in support of Thong Bai and other elephants like him. One of the most vocal and passionate advocates was Lek Chailert, the founder of The Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. Lek has dedicated her life to rescuing and protecting elephants, keeping the public informed about the plight of these animals through her Facebook page and other platforms. She often posted updates about Thong Bai, highlighting his decades of service and advocating for his right to live freely. In one heartfelt post, Lek wrote, “More than forty years he has served people, and he deserves his freedom.”
The journey toward Thong Bai’s freedom was long and difficult, but it eventually culminated in a major victory. After many years, Thong Bai was finally freed from the chains that had defined his existence. This achievement was not the result of a single effort but rather a collective determination by individuals who refused to let his story end in captivity. A year before his release, Lek brought Khun NuNa Silpa-archa, a compassionate guest, to Surin province to witness firsthand the conditions in which Thong Bai and other elephants lived.
Seeing Thong Bai in person was a transformative experience for Khun NuNa Silpa-archa. Witnessing his majestic yet constrained presence stirred something within her, prompting her to take action. She worked tirelessly over the course of a year to negotiate for Thong Bai’s freedom. Her dedication, combined with the efforts of activists and the willingness of Thong Bai’s owner to compromise, eventually led to an agreement. The owner consented to allow Thong Bai to live in an open enclosure, free to roam without chains.
This new beginning was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Surin Project, a program aimed at improving the lives of working elephants and enhancing the economic conditions of their mahouts, the traditional elephant caretakers. The local community came together to build a shelter suited to Thong Bai’s needs. The Surin government provided the land, and Thai Beverage Company contributed to funding the construction of the facilities.
Today, Thong Bai lives in an environment designed with his well-being in mind. His new home is a spacious, safe enclosure filled with mud pits for cooling, shaded areas for resting, a fountain for fresh water, and wide open spaces that allow him to walk freely—something he had been denied for most of his life. No longer is he shackled or forced to perform for human amusement. For the first time, Thong Bai is free to simply be an elephant.
Lek Chailert captured the emotions of the day perfectly in her words: “The day that everyone longed for has finally arrived. Over four decades of shackles and at last release. Thong Bai, the Legend of Surin, is free from his chains. We welcomed him to his new home today. He appeared uncertain and nervous of his new freedom and even shy to explore without being told what to do.”
Thong Bai’s story is a powerful reminder of the harsh realities faced by many elephants around the world. At Newsner, we have consistently highlighted the suffering endured by these intelligent and empathetic animals when they are forced to live for human entertainment. The emotional and physical toll on elephants used in circuses, rides, and shows is immense, and Thong Bai’s experience is just one among countless others.
No animal should be condemned to a life of confinement, torture, or exploitation for the sake of our amusement. Elephants are complex creatures with deep social bonds and emotional needs. They thrive when they are free to interact naturally with their environment and their herd. Taking that away for the sake of spectacle is a profound injustice.
The transformation of Thong Bai’s life from one of servitude to one of dignity and freedom serves as a beacon of hope. It shows that change is possible when compassionate individuals come together with a shared purpose. It reminds us that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger movement toward kindness and respect for all living beings.
We must continue to spread awareness about the exploitation of elephants and support efforts aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating these gentle giants. Sharing stories like Thong Bai’s is one way to keep the conversation alive and inspire others to take action. Every voice matters in the fight to end the use of animals for entertainment.
If you are moved by Thong Bai’s story, please share it. Help raise awareness and advocate for the ethical treatment of elephants and other animals worldwide. Together, we can create a world where creatures like Thong Bai are no longer forced to entertain us but are instead honored and respected for the magnificent beings they are.
