Before to read your post I saw the pictures and said "I want sit in an elephant when I go to Thailand", but your analysis opened my eyes, because I never had thought how much suffer this animal in that place where they are exposure. Is so sad that history.
Now, ourself like tourists at least we can help avoid pay for they in these places. Should exist some foundations where we can have contact with the elephants without damage.
Would be amazing that you write about this places, where given care to these animals in Thailand.
Thanks for share your experience. A big hug!
Yes I totally understand how tempting it might look to ride such a big and not-so-common animal. I am really glad though that you are more aware now of the situations these elephants have to face! :)
However, if you want to see them or just simply feed them and walk with them there are places call "Elephant Nature Park" in Chiang Mai and elsewhere (just search for something like "elephants sanctuary thailand"). You can also volunteer there and be in contact with the elephants in their nature.