Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation: Recent Comments

Comment on Fly me to the Mool (Kam Mool's semi-retirement)

2011-05-29T04:42:21Z

Dear Mrs B

I'm sorry to have to tell you that Kam Mool succumbed to her old age some time ago, following her retirement she lived well but as she aged her health deteriorated and we took the decision to send her to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre hospital in Lampang where they treated her well but could not prevent old age from taking its course.

She was buried in Lampang where she has a grave and a she was given a ceremonial burial on our hill-top where we keep a shrine to her.

Sorry

John

Comment on Fly me to the Mool (Kam Mool's semi-retirement)

2011-05-20T08:37:04Z

John, I am pleased to hear Kam Mool is being so well looked after - being with her for my mahout training was one of the best experiences ever! She was so patient and tolerant. How is her health now?

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

2011-01-28T06:13:45Z

Breathing Space Thailand Announces New Innovative Treatment Interventions for Clients with Co-Occurring Disorders

A service gap exists for individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders. New innovative and experimental interventions like, “Elephant Assisted Therapy” may impact this population's treatment.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 27, 2011

All too often, individuals seeking assistance for substance abuse present with multiple issues. Unfortunately, they are quickly diagnosed and categorized, and are directed into specific treatment modalities that lack dual focus. This is particularly true for clients experiencing Co-Occurring Disorders. Dual Diagnosed clients, defined as individuals experiencing both addiction and co-existing mental health conditions such as Mood or Anxiety Disorders, are failed by the current system.

Frequently, substance abuse arises as a symptom of underlying psychiatric diagnoses. The latest peer reviewed research, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Services, demonstrates that the vast majority of patients are in fact experiencing Co-Occurring Disorders. This population is growing at an alarming rate. Epidemiological data suggests a Dual Diagnosis rate of 79% in patients presenting for substance abuse treatment. However, only 8% of these individuals receive simultaneous treatment for both addiction and co-morbid psychiatric conditions. (Kessler et al.,1996) This demonstrates a shocking gap in health care delivery systems worldwide. Treatment centers like Breathing Space Thailand, are actively addressing this gap through comprehensive holistic interventions, designed specifically for clients struggling with co-occurring disorders.

Current literature in the field of mental health and substance abuse maintains that person centered, holistic approaches, that combine both the Twelve Step philosophy with Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral theories are most effective in achieving and maintaining sobriety, as well as overall emotional stability. Breathing Space Thailand, Asia's foremost fully licensed international treatment center, is leading the way in implementing Evidence Based Practice with innovative interventions for Dual Diagnosed clients. At Breathing Space, therapeutic interventions are individually designed to meet the unique needs of clients with co-occurring disorders.

Breathing Space Thailand incorporates traditional clinical interventions such as psychotherapy, medication management, symptom management, and coping skills training with alternative medicine and complimentary therapies. Clients at the facility have the opportunity to participate in yoga, meditation, Thai Chi, auricular acupuncture, massage and spa treatments, creative therapy, as well as have exposure to eastern philosophies that address the mind, body and soul. Anecdotal evidence compiled by the center, shows recovery success rates far greater than other facilities

Breathing Space Thailand is in the process of launching an experimental therapeutic program that will be the first of its kind in the world. “Elephant Assisted Therapy”, based upon existing equine and canine models of animal assisted therapy, utilizes the natural attributes of elephants to actively assist individuals in their recovery process. Elephants are highly intelligent, caring, creative and sensitive. They are capable of complex and even altruistic interactions with humans. Elephants are known to produce both Infra-sounds and Ultrasounds. Infrasound is inaudible to the human ear, but at certain frequencies can be heard as a low rumble, and can be felt in the diaphragm. Researchers at Thailand's Chiang Mai University, have found compelling evidence that elephant infrasound and ultrasound may have positive effect upon blood pressure and stress levels, as well as engender human emotion.

Additional research conducted by Chiang Mai University's faculty of Medical Sciences and Occupational Therapy Departments, have shown both motor and cognitive improvement in Autistic children, post interaction with elephants. (Satiansukpong, 2009) Breathing Space Thailand has gathered anecdotal, yet startling, preliminary evidence that links extensive client interaction with elephants, with improved mood and reduced anxieties.

It is this spirit of innovation and experimentation, that will serve as the driving force behind breakthroughs in the field of treatment for co-occurring disorders. The medical community must close the gap for the dual diagnosed, and recognize that co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously. Combining Evidence Based Practice with innovative and experimental methodology is vital for the development of effective interventions that foster both sobriety and psychiatric stability. In this respect, Breathing Space Thailand is indeed leading the way.

Breathing Space Thailand invites anyone dealing with an addiction to visit their website and take their addiction self assessment analysis to help them determine which program is most suitable for their recovery.

Ian C. Lyons, L.M.S.W.

Breathing Space Thailand

Comment on Large Legal Loopholes Lead to Leniently Levying Lawmakers (education must be key)

2011-01-09T00:27:27Z

A few days later more ivory was seized at Suvarnhabhumi Airport in Bangkok, coming from Mozambique & headed to Laos (or perhaps back to Thailand).

All Africa.com had the story, identified the seeming low priority of CITES issues in the one Government and accurately summed up the Thai loophole in one paragraph (something I fail to do!).

___________________________

Maputo — The Thai Customs authorities at Bangkok airport have seized 73 elephant tusks, supposedly smuggled out of Mozambique, that were en route to Laos.

The ivory, according to Thai General Director of Customs, Prasong Poontaneh, was discovered on Wednesday in a warehouse belonging to Thai Airways International, at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, in two boxes labeled as "personal property", that were to be taken on to the Laotian capital Vientiane.

In Africa, ivory trade is forbidden under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), regardless of the country of origin and the mode of transport, said Prasong.

He added that although the ivory was heading to Laos, it is suspected that the real buyer is a customer who complained about the disappearance of the merchandise in Bangkok.

Government officials in Maputo knew nothing about the Thai seizure. Matters relating to CITES were until recently in the hands of the Ministry of Agriculture, but in late 2010 were transferred to the Environment Ministry (MICOA).

Emilia Polana, a focal point at MICOA, told AIM that she did not know about the smuggling of the 73 tusks from Mozambique, and referred the matter to the Mozambican Customs Service.

The Director of the Communication and Image Office in Customs, Daúde Daia, was also unaware of the situation, but promised investigations to determine the veracity of the claim that Mozambican ivory had been sent illegally to Bangkok.

Bangkok is a centre for smuggled ivory. The illicit trade is facilitated by the Thai law that does not include domesticated Asian elephants in the list of endangered species and allows for trade in ivory.

CITES is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

2010-11-22T00:51:39Z

...just the way I like to be!

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

2010-11-22T00:44:30Z

...here's an interview I recorded on the day with Dr Nuntanee from the Faculty of Occupational Therapy, Chiang Mai University & K. Nippakorn from the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, all in Thai.

You're in it (but out of focus & hiding behind an elephant).

Comment on Hat-tip to the boys in brown (but does increased vigilance by Thai security forces mean we have to increase our own?)

2010-10-27T05:14:24Z

SLAIN JUMBO

Former Karen soldier held for poaching

Published: 26/10/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN : A former Karen soldier has been arrested in connection with the poaching of an elephant in the Kui Buri National Park and attempting to cut off its tusks.

Bae Khosin, 31, was detained by Sam Roi Yot police at his home in the district on Sunday night. Police believe he owned the rifle used to kill the elephant last Wednesday.

The male elephant, aged about five years, was shot in the head and his face hacked to remove the tusks. The poachers failed to remove the tusks, however.

Mr Bae told police he lent his gun to a friend named Chenchai or Chotakee to go hunting wild animals with Sombun Wena, Sam Roi Yot police station chief Withas Borirak said yesterday.

He said he gave the gun to Mr Chenchai about a month ago and only heard that it had been used to kill the elephant. He said this saddened him as he knew elephants were a protected species.

Mr Bae was charged with involvement in poaching a protected wild elephant and unauthorised possession of a gun and ammunition.

Police said Mr Sombun was reported to have fled to Burma after shooting the elephant.

The Sam Roi Yot police are tracking Mr Sombun and Mr Chenchai. They said Mr Bae warned them they should be very careful in going after Mr Sombun because he had a gun and was well trained in weapons use.

Comment on Hat-tip to the boys in brown (but does increased vigilance by Thai security forces mean we have to increase our own?)

2010-10-24T00:43:50Z

Poachers shoot and mutilate elephant

Published: 22/10/2010 at 12:00 AM

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN : Poachers have shot dead a male elephant and hacked its face to dig out its tusks.

Kui Buri National Park chief Boonlue Poonnil said yesterday that forest rangers saw two men slashing something in deep jungle in Sam Roi Yot district on Wednesday night. The men fled after spotting the rangers.

Authorities investigating the scene found the carcass of a male elephant aged from five to 10 years.

The jumbo was shot in the head and its face and trunk chopped in pieces, the park chief said. The poachers failed to remove the tusks.

Prachuap Khiri Khan governor Veera Sriwattanatrakul said the attack shocked officials.

The park is one of Thailand's most pristine forests with more than 200 wild elephants, gaurs, banteng and tigers.

Comment on Elephants in Between (a photographic exhibition by Brent Lewin)

2010-09-04T02:53:57Z

...the opening speech I didn't give in full as the parameters changed somewhat, the thoughts are, I think valid so I thought I would put it up here (I did a lot of practicing, so I have to unleash it on someone, you are the unlucky few).

PS. On a serious note, the picture at the bottom is distressing, click away now if you do not want to be distressed.

PPS. The point about rarely finding street elephants nowadays was questioned by the Bangkok resident crowd who felt that the eles are sneaking back in.

_________________________

Welcome Ladies & Gentlemen

Unfortunately your photographer, Brent Lewin, couldn’t be with us this evening and so it falls to me to introduce his photographs as well as explain why Anantara Resorts & Spas welcomed the chance to support this exhibition.

My name is John Roberts, Director of Elephants for Anantara Resort & Spa, Golden Triangle & more importantly for the purposes of this evening, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.

I hope I am not to self-serving in my interpretation of the photographs as they touch very closely on what I do for a living.

The title of the exhibition, Elephants in Between, can be taken several ways, despite revolving around the same species, the Asian Elephant, there are two distinct collections of photographs here today, taken in different countries at different stages of development.

The first set, ironically taken after the second, but here representing the past for Thai elephants is the collection taken in the logging camps of Myanmar or Burma & Laos. I say that it represents the Thai past as the taking of trees for timber here was banned in 1989 for a number of reasons, not least because we were running out of trees; overnight Thai elephants & their mahouts had their centuries old occupation (their raison d’être if you like, the oft quoted figure of 50,000 domestic elephants in 1950 would not have been that high if there had been no work for them to undertake – in short there were 50,000 elephants because there was work for 50,000 elephants to do) removed. Their only choice was to work illegally or to, illegally, go across borders to seek work.

Not that we ought to fall into the trap of glorifying the logging days as a golden age for elephants, logging was and remains hard and dangerous work, though best practices were written for forestry and for elephants' part in it they were hardly ever followed in any of the logging eras, it seems, an up to 90 year cycle between harvesting certain areas of forest is too long a time scale for a businessman to comprehend and so logs were removed at an unsustainable rate, short cuts were taken and elephants overworked. Another legacy of the logging days is the old training methods, it was because of the economic need to catch juvenile elephants from the wild, rather than feed an otherwise useless baby for fifteen years before it could work, that training techniques such as the one pictured were developed, designed to take a fully strong wild elephant from its herd and to bend it’s will to that of the mahout, designed for a purpose no longer in existence but, albeit illegally & allegedly, still in use today for baby elephants – to me the most controversial photograph here.

It is worth pointing out that these methods have been banned by the Thai government and that it has been the Thai mahouts that have been instrumental in helping to develop training techniques to suit today's less urgent environment where baby elephants grow up with their mother, other baby elephants and a human family.

In a way, the second collection are the ‘Elephants in Between’, these are Bangkok’s street elephants – a phenomenon, until recently, commonly seen and now rarely found thanks to initiatives in Bangkok to strengthen the law and, hopefully, in the elephants’ home in Surin to make home existence comfortable & feasible. Though a certain number of them continue to work the streets of Chiang Mai & other provincial towns at night.

I’m convinced street begging began in response to the 1989 logging ban and as a function of the genuine high regard of Thai people for their elephants, in Chiang Saen, when we take elephants out of our forest for whatever reason the natural reaction of people, especially older people, is to make merit by feeding it.

In the beginning it must have been a way for mahouts to earn a living for themselves & their elephants without resorting to illegal behaviour, as mentioned in the 1987 movie ‘Khun Liang Chang’ which dealt with forestry & elephant care in exactly this period – a mahout can’t live on elephant shit.

Over the years this practice developed for tourism & the modern world, babies were cuter so people were more likely to give, when the lawmakers began to take notice and ban, via city ordnances citing pollution and traffic offences to start with and, more recently the act of feeding a street elephants, babies were also easier to transport & easier to hide.

Mahouts were still mahouts, gui people were still gui people, they still had to own an elephant as part of their identity and these were the ‘Elephants in Between’ that Brent found and embedded himself with.

These are also the people we know and work with through our street rescue in the Golden Triangle and one of the reasons we were happy to support the exhibition is that Brent has managed to capture the care that the mahouts give to their elephants despite living an existence that they wouldn’t have chosen. These are people proud of their tradition and not gangsters out for a fast buck, something they are all too easily portrayed as elsewhere.

XXX - HERE I TALKED ABOUT OUR CAMP AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESCUE RENTAL, COVERED ELSEWHERE IN THESE PAGES – XXX

As a final point I would like to go back to the Burmese photograph of the elephant being trained in the older, brutal, manner, the manner developed in logging days to turn an almost fully grown wild elephant into a worker as fast as possible.

You’ll note that the elephant undergoing the training is a young one, perhaps four or five years old, THERE IS NO MARKET FOR AN ELEPHANT THAT YOUNG IN BURMA, the only market I know of for elephants that young is in Thailand, to me this photograph is as clear an indication of what happens when we buy a baby elephant in Thailand as possible, a baby is taken from the wild in Burma and beaten into submission to fill the market we drive.

So I’d like to end on this note, today’s unsustainable practices, however well intentioned, are, I fear, trapping elephants as a species in an endless cycle of past & present, let’s work together to make today’s elephants truly are the Elephants in Between a hard, sometimes cruel, past and a sustainable and comfortable future.

Comment on Elephants in Between (a photographic exhibition by Brent Lewin)

2010-08-26T06:08:58Z




Anantara Hosts Powerful ‘Elephant in Between’ Photographic Exhibition
วันที่ 25 สิงหาคม 2553 10:30 น.
ที่มา Anantara

Anantara’s charitable entity The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) is proud to sponsor the ‘Elephants in Between’ photo exhibition by world renowned photographer, Brent Lewin. The powerful and sometimes shocking exhibition opens on 3rd September 2010 at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand and is hosted by Anantara’s Director of Elephants John Roberts.

Brent’s work largely focuses on the plight of the Asian elephant and their caregivers in Thailand. His work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, New York Times, Discovery Channel Magazine and Newsweek. His work with elephants has been awarded by Pictures of the Year International, Prix de la Photographie Paris (Px3), the International Photography Awards, American Photo and the FCCT Photojournalism Annual. He was also selected by Photo District News as one of the PDN 30 photographers in 2010.
“Since 2007 Brent Lewin has been documenting the plight of the Asian elephant in Thailand,” explains John Roberts on the reason for the exhibition. “Once a symbol of honour, dignity and the engine of rural development, many of these once proud creatures are perhaps a symbol of those left behind by Thailand’s recent rapid development” continued Mr. Roberts.
The photographic exhibition tells a story of the discord between the struggle to preserve the centuries old tradition of an elephant and his mahout caretaker in our rapidly changing world. With a strong focus depicting the manifestation of this reality, as well as the repercussions of failing to come to terms with it, Lewin enraptures his audience with truly thought provoking snapshots.
In addition to Thailand, where elephants have largely outlived their traditional functions, Brent’s work has also recently begun exploring the plight of elephants in neighbouring Lao PDR and Myanmar where they are still being used in the logging industry. In these relatively forested countries, domestic elephants are being employed to their own demise through habitat loss resulting from uncontrolled logging.
“If Thailand’s trajectory is any indication of where its neighbours are headed, these elephants and mahouts may soon face the uncertain future of their counterparts in Thailand today, Mr. Roberts concluded.
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) is dedicated to bettering the lives of street elephants and has now rescued and relocated over 34 elephants and their mahouts and families off the streets of Thailand and to a lush 160 acre base camp in Chiang Rai.
To join the fundraising efforts, donations can be made via ‘Friends of Conservation’ in the USA friendsofconservation.org/GoldenTriangle.htm or through the charity administrator John Roberts jroberts@helpingelephants.org.
Exhibition dates: 03 September at 18:30 - 15 October at 16:00 Exhibition location: Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, The Penthouse, Maneeya Centre, 518/5 Pleonchit Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.

Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation: Recent Comments

Comment on Fly me to the Mool (Kam Mool's semi-retirement)

Comment on Fly me to the Mool (Kam Mool's semi-retirement)

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

Breathing Space Thailand Announces New Innovative Treatment Interventions for Clients with Co-Occurring Disorders

Comment on Large Legal Loopholes Lead to Leniently Levying Lawmakers (education must be key)

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

Comment on Even if the Scientists aren't impressed this would be worth it for the smiles (on elephants and autistic kids)

Comment on Hat-tip to the boys in brown (but does increased vigilance by Thai security forces mean we have to increase our own?)

Former Karen soldier held for poaching

Comment on Hat-tip to the boys in brown (but does increased vigilance by Thai security forces mean we have to increase our own?)

Poachers shoot and mutilate elephant

Comment on Elephants in Between (a photographic exhibition by Brent Lewin)

Comment on Elephants in Between (a photographic exhibition by Brent Lewin)

Anantara Hosts Powerful ‘Elephant in Between’ Photographic Exhibition