This year's World Elephant Day on August 12th marked the first anniversary of the CSR partnership between 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts Thailand and the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Chiang Mai. This long-term collaboration generates much-needed funds and raises global awareness for elephant conservation and reforestation in Thailand.

Since the start of the campaign in 2021, donations from guests of the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok and the 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, as well as personal and online donations via the online donation platform Spot Fund, have totaled over 1 million THB (approx. 43,388 USD).

Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center founded in 1996 by Mrs. Sangduen Chailert (Khun Lek). The center provides a safe haven for over 100 elephants from all over Thailand and is also a sanctuary for rescued dogs, cats, buffalo, and many other abandoned and abused animals.

The hotel partnership came about when Anne Arrowsmith, general manager of 137 Pillars House, was asked to showcase some of Chiang Mai's unique aspects for a Thailand segment on the popular US television show "The Today Show." Anne chose the Elephant National Park (ENP) because of its authentic philosophy, particularly its ban on elephant riding. It became a deeply moving and spiritual experience, as Anne spent the day with many elephants and learned more about the needs, challenges, and situation of the ENP during her interview with K. Lek for the show.

To share this experience with hotel guests and build a long-term partnership with the sanctuary, raising much-needed funds for the daily work of Khun Lek and her team, 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts in Chiang Mai and Bangkok offers its guests the opportunity to donate a small amount of 100 THB (US$3.00), 300 THB (US$9.00), or 700 THB (US$20.00) per night to ENP upon check-in. A one-time donation of a larger amount is also possible. 90 percent of the donations go towards elephant conservation and 10 percent towards reforestation. ENP will issue a donation receipt and certificate to every donor.

According to Khun Lek: “Although the pandemic has had a devastating impact on both elephants and humans, it has also prompted many owners of elephant camps to reconsider the unethical programs they currently offer tourists.”

“My team and I are working tirelessly to ensure this will be a catalyst for positive change across the country. Many of the camps we supported during the crisis through our elephant food bank campaign have now agreed to remove the saddles from the elephants’ backs and adopt a more caring approach with our support.”

Download this information sheet to learn more about these magnificent animals and the work of Khun Lek and her team at the ENP.

Discover more ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand here.