Thailand is the epicenter of elephant tourism and visiting an elephant camp is a popular activity according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand. However, the welfare of these elephants has been questioned by animal activist groups, international tour operators, and the public. Conclusions that the vast majority of captive elephants are abused often are based on anecdotal evidence and not solid science. So, it is difficult to tease apart emotion, opinion, and fact with regard to what practices are good or bad for elephant welfare. The aim of this paper was to: 1) describe the unique status of captive elephants in Thailand and associated regulations, 2) summarize current issues and challenges facing elephant tourism, 3) review studies conducted on welfare of tourist elephants in Thailand, and 4) offer recommendations for how elephants can be properly cared for under captive conditions in tourist camps. We conclude there are many ways to manage these elephants, and that not all tourist activities are bad for welfare. However, it is essential they be managed in a way that meets physical, physiological and psychological needs, and that management decisions are based on objective data.

中文翻译：

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泰国圈养大象的福利评估和活动。


泰国是大象旅游的中心，据泰国旅游局称，参观大象营地是一项受欢迎的活动。然而，这些大象的福利受到了动物活动团体、国际旅行社和公众的质疑。关于绝大多数圈养大象经常受到虐待的结论是基于轶事证据，而不是坚实的科学依据。因此，对于哪些做法对大象福利有利或不利，很难区分情感、观点和事实。本文的目的是：1）描述泰国圈养大象的独特地位和相关法规，2）总结大象旅游业当前面临的问题和挑战，3）回顾对泰国旅游大象福利进行的研究，以及4）提供有关如何在旅游营地圈养条件下妥善照顾大象的建议。我们的结论是，管理这些大象的方法有很多，而且并非所有旅游活动都不利于福利。然而，必须以满足身体、生理和心理需求的方式对其进行管理，并且管理决策基于客观数据。