Caught out in a virus world

Back in June, Thailand was again in the headlines when UK-based animal rights group World Animal Protection (WAP) released video footage showing a mahout using a bullhook to jab a two-year-old elephant to separate it from its mother. It wasn’t a new tactic, but it infuriated people on social media.

For more than three decades, elephants have played a major role in Thailand’s tourism industry and generated an income of up to 6 billion baht per year. Elephant camps across the country have become a powerful magnet, drawing foreign tourists to enjoy a riding experience and appreciate the charm of Thai culture.

However, such tourism is not appreciated by conscious travellers. In recent years, travel agents in Europe have…