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Bangkok introduces fines for feeding elephants
Anyone caught handing bunches of bananas or sugar cane to the animals faces a 10,000 baht (Dh1,135) fine
- AP
- Published: 00:00 July 14, 2010
Bangkok: You can still feed elephants in Thailand's bustling capital — but it could cost you.
Bangkok authorities said anyone caught handing bunches of bananas or sugar cane to the hulking beasts — proffered by their handlers to make money — faces a 10,000 baht (Dh1,135) fine.
Thailand has about 2,400 domestic elephants. There is little demand these days for the animals' traditional skills in logging and other labour, so owners sometimes loan them for begging in major cities.
"The ordinance is issued to prevent untidiness or danger toward properties and lives of Bangkok residents," said Manit Techa-apichoke, deputy director of the City Law Enforcement Department, adding there had been cases of elephants hurting people and falling into drains.
Friends of the Asian Elephant, a Thai nongovernment group which cares for injured or mistreated elephants, called the fines a good start.
"I've been asking for them to do this for 15 years," said its founder, Soraida Salwalla, adding that she hoped other Thai cities would follow suit. "It's not the total solution, but it's a help."
Previously, mahouts and their accomplices were fined for bringing an elephant into Bangkok, but those feeding the animal escaped punishment. Typically a tourist would pay 20 baht ($0.62) for the privilege of feeding one.
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