Community on Hua Hin Today

Elephant trekking business seems to have declined resulting from confusing polit

Mrs. Suphasuda Chamnankit, the manager of Hua Hin Elephant Village, Prachuap Khirikhan Province, revealed after the political revolution and the new government, the tourism situation of the country and of Hua Hin Elephant Village have been effected. It can be said that there used to be a lot of oversea tourists sightseeing on elephants around the temple and the city, but now there are only 80-100 tourists each day. The tourism situation at the moment is variable and unpredictable.

Elephant Trekking is a kind of business which enables tourists to express their adventuring instinct and to exercise and to preserve natural resources because during the trekking journey, they will admire a forest, a huge reservoir, foothill and panorama around Hua Hin. This is an exciting and interesting prospect for many tourists as there is no elephant riding in their countries.

At the moment, the national situation has been in trouble which has impacted on tourism. Therefore, the dinner business, which used to be opened to welcome tourists in Hua Hin to dine and admire the Thai atmosphere and Thai performances, had been halted to save their budget. It is hoped, that as soon as the political situation is clearer or when a high season approaches, with any orders from hotels, the dining business will of course be re-opened.

Mrs. Suphasuda also added the business of elephant trekking requires a fertile nature and environment, with these factors, Mr. Prakob, her husband, realized the importance of natural resources preservation. Moreover, when HM. the Queen Sirikit's speech on forests preservation was given, the Elephant Village willingly followed HM. the Queen's speech. Presently, Thailand is confronted with a wrecked forest situation which affects the country as seen today. On the other hand, the nature is punishing those who destroy forests with natural disasters.

"At the moment, the temple's area approx. 100 rai is being persevered by planting trees; Rain-tree or Chamchuree, Yellow Shower Tree or Khoon, Pride of India Tree or Tabaek and so on around the foothill of the temple's vicinity. Now planted trees are all green to moisturize the earth and to refresh Hua Hin again." Said Mrs. Suphasuda.

Mrs. Suphasuda added that she has operated elephant trekking for 9 years with approx. 20 elephants and approx. 50 workers (mahouts, elephant sisters etc.) and she has to pay them monthly around 300,000 - 500,000 baht which is said to be hard work at this period of time with the crisis. Anyway, she is still delighted to take part in tourism promotion for the community and the country. For those who are interested in admiring the nature on the back of an elephant, please contact Hua HIn Elephant Village at Khao Itisukhatho Temple, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Kirikhan Province. Tel. 081-99007837 and 081-19427258 all times.