 |
| Dr. Patrapol Maneeorn |
Q: What is your view on the current state of elephant/animal welfare in Thailand?
There are two major issues concerning animal welfare in Thailand. First is the conflict between wildlife and humans. These days humans and wild animals live in closer proximity than ever before due to the loss of wildlife habitat. Concerning factors include deforestation, the popularity of keeping wild animals as pets, and climate change. In our region (Asia), human behaviour like the illegal animal trade and consumption are also crucial factors. All together, these factors drive wild animals to conflict with humans.
Another issue is animal cruelty, which affects both society’s feeling and Thailand’s reputation. In the past, it has been much harder for us to investigate. But today thanks to technology, Thai citizens and tourists can help report their suspicions of animal cruelty to the government via social media or to the Wildlife First Aid Coordination Centre’s call centre (Tel. 1362).
Q: Historically what has been the relationship between the Thai people and elephants?
Historically, there has been a strong bond between the Thai people and elephants. They are also part of our culture and life.
Mahout elephant training uses a reward system. It is a process that requires patience and understanding of each individual elephant’s personality traits and characteristics. Just like the way people train their horses, they are not tortured. People have to realise that these trainers love their elephants.
For other photos and videos, some of them are not a set up but are prior cases which were already investigated by government agencies. Sometimes, one photo can ruin a country’s reputation with the power of the Internet and social media. So, it is our duty to explain to the public, and people have to be aware before sharing news.
Q: How has the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation been active in animal welfare in Thailand?
Thailand’s government agencies have been trying to cope with the problem in many ways: policy-making, supporting research on wildlife, rehabilitating injured animals, and eradicating the illegal wild animal trade. After long, sustained efforts in many fronts, our hard work has finally started to pay off. The effectiveness of our work is the number of animals we have in the wild, and today the number of elephants, tigers, bantengs and many other wildlife is increasing.
Another strategy, which is very effective and played a very important role in protecting animals throughout these years is Social Boycotting. Travel businesses and individual tourists can help government agencies by boycotting businesses that do not take good care of animals. When there are no customers, some will close and some will change. If they choose to change, government agencies would help by providing training with professional specialists in order to upgrade and meet the required standards.
Q: How can Thailand promote its positive animal welfare practices and also raise awareness with the travelling public?
We are focusing on adopting an active strategy; such as, communicating directly with members of Thai society. This can be done via social media or otherwise to create an information network whereby the travelling public is engaged and updated on important issues to raise awareness. In my point of view, existing animal cruelty laws must be strictly enforced and the arrest of offenders publicised to build on the positive progress made so far.
Q: What role would you like to see the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation play in promoting animal welfare in Thailand?
I think we are moving in the right direction to promote animal welfare. What we are doing is collaborating with different organisations and sectors in Thailand to reduce and hopefully eliminate animal cruelty as much as possible. We are working with the Zoological Park Organisation, a state enterprise that is responsible for wildlife living outside their natural habitats. In collaboration with the Zoological Park Organisation, our aim is to research, breed and release more wildlife back into its natural habitat.
I believe that cruelty to animals in Thailand has dramatically decreased. As animal welfare and protection has improved, so has social consciousness of the general Thai public. While these are but a few very small steps in the right direction, they are the part of reason why I am very optimistic about the future of animal conservation and welfare in Thailand.
See more at TAT Newsroom
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi
Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Email: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.TATnews.org
No comments:
Post a Comment