Elephant welfare has become an increasingly important topic in recent discussions, as Thailand has a deep-rooted history with domesticated elephants, particularly in the northern region. This area is home to about a third of the country's domesticated elephants, with Mae Taeng district hosting the largest population, numbering 418. As a result, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University has prioritised elephant healthcare, leading to the establishment of the 'Elephant Hospital, Centre of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University.' The project, which has received 49.25 million baht in funding from
Ms. Kanchana Silpa-archa, will see the construction of a new elephant hospital in Mae Taeng District to provide better care for sick elephants.
Professor of Practice Dr. Chatchote Thitaram, DVM, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs and Director of the Centre, addressed the current situation of Thai elephants, stating, ‘Thailand currently has many elephant camps within the tourism and hospitality industry, sparking debates about elephant care. Relevant authorities have introduced regulations to oversee this issue, such as the Good Practice for Elephant Camps established by the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Ministerial Announcement on Elephant Welfare Provision in Elephant Camps.’ He further emphasized, ‘At this moment, the top priority is the health and welfare of the elephants.’
To address this, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has established the Centre of Elephant and Wildlife Health, aiming to provide healthcare for elephants through mobile units operated in collaboration with other organizations. However, challenges such as limitations in location, personnel, and equipment, particularly in transportation, hinder the ability to deliver comprehensive care. As a result, the Elephant Hospital will be built in Mae Taeng to offer specialised care for sick and critically ill elephants, thereby enhancing the capacity to provide proper treatment. The hospital's location is also strategically chosen to be easily accessible to many captive elephants.
In line with the university's core mission of enhancing educational opportunities, Professor Chatchote noted, ‘This hospital will serve as a learning site for students and veterinary doctors from both Thailand and abroad, advancing knowledge and research on elephants and wildlife. It will also provide valuable guidelines for more effective treatment.’
On February 26, 2025, Ms. Kanchana Silpa-archa donated a 49.25-million-baht donation to Chiang Mai University for the construction of the hospital. Located on a 10-acre plot in Mae Taeng, it will provide immediate care for sick elephants and serve as a centre for research, development, and training. It will also offer accurate information on proper elephant and wildlife care to veterinary students and other interested individuals. The event was attended by CMU President, Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, Professor Dr. Korakot Nganvongpanit, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Professor of Practice Dr. Chatchote Thitaram, DVM, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs, and Director of the Centre.
Ms. Kanchana stated, "The northern region is home to hundreds of elephants, yet there is only one elephant hospital, the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang. Therefore, it is only fitting that another elephant hospital be established here in Chiang Mai. This aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University, which is already running a related project. The two initiatives complement each other well, sharing a common goal of enhancing elephant welfare and providing a learning site for veterinary doctors, or elephant doctors, a field in which there is a severe shortage of professionals.
Chiang Mai University has received permission from the Agricultural Land Reform Office to utilise the land for the construction of the Elephant Hospital. The facility will include the main hospital building, an office, a recovery building for sick elephants, a food storage building, and housing for mahouts, complete with water and electrical systems, as well as equipment for various purposes. Once completed, the hospital will be able to treat at least six critically ill elephants simultaneously. Additionally, it will offer short-term workshops for veterinary students and interested individuals from both Thailand and abroad. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable conservation of elephants, wildlife, and nature.