I recently embarked on a short trip up to Chiang Mai to begin to delve into the complicated world of elephant tourism in Thailand. Under normal circumstances the ethical implications of this industry are convoluted at best, and with the shutdown of foreign tourism, the situation has only become more complicated. Hundreds of mahouts (elephant trainers) have been fired and returned with their wards to northern Thailand and even into Myanmar. Some, like those pictured here, are lucky enough to be kept on and paid in full. I am hoping to dive into this further in the coming weeks.
Andre Malerba | Photographer
Andre Malerba is an award winning freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer in Bangkok, Thailand, covering Southeast Asia and the larger region.
