Renowned monk Phra Kru Odd is spearheading a vital initiative to construct a shelter for the elephants of the Saen family in Chiang Mai. This project, aimed at protecting the elephants from harsh weather, is expected to cost 1 million baht and take one year to complete.

 

Phra Kru Odd, affiliated with Wat Chedi Luang in Mueang District, Chiang Mai, recently visited Mae Taeng District to prepare the site for the construction of a standard elephant shelter.

 

The planned structure will be 13 meters wide and 60 meters long, providing a haven for over 10 elephants. This initiative seeks to offer the elephants a comfortable environment, shielding them from the sun and rain.

 

The Saen family includes notable elephants like Plai Saen Luang, Plai Saen Rak, Plai Saen Phrai, Plai Saen Krai, and Phang Saen Duean. These elephants have found refuge in Mae Taeng and will greatly benefit from the new shelter.

 

“This project is crucial as it ensures the well-being of these magnificent creatures by providing them with a protective shelter,” emphasised Phra Kru Odd.

 

The construction of the elephant shelter, anticipated to take about a year, will need a budget of approximately 1 million baht. The community and elephant enthusiasts are encouraged to contribute to this noble cause, ensuring these rescued elephants live in comfort and safety.

 

“We need all the support we can get to make this project a reality. It’s not just about building a shelter; it’s about giving these elephants a better quality of life,” Phra Kru Odd added.

 

The shelter will offer much-needed protection from the elements, improving the elephants' overall health and well-being, as reported by KhaoSod.

 

In related news, as Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts.

 

With a combination of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

-- 2024-06-14

 

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28 minutes ago, webfact said:

The construction of the elephant shelter, anticipated to take about a year, will need a budget of approximately 1 million baht.

If they build it with the same material as seen on the image, it will not be any 1M baht for 13 x 60 meter. For two people working, it would also take approx 1-2 month, and that ample of time.

If the shelter is anything like the pictures...I built higher quality treehouses when I was 10 years old.

As already suggested, if the photo = the shelter then where is the left over 900,000baht going? Plus it is more like a death trap; come the first major storm. All that corrugated iron flying about. What could go wrong. Do I hear a future plea for donations to help injured elephants????

Which elephants are these....who owns them and what are they used for?

This doesn't seem to be a serious effort to improve the welfare of elephants

It seems they will still be chained or caged in place?

4 hours ago, webfact said:

is expected to cost 1 million baht and take one year to complete.

Wat ??????

Yeah, if the picture is what they’re planning I can’t figure it out TIT

The first high winds come along, that shelter is history... 1m baht??  not even. 

SInce when do elephants suffer from the weather?  Better to help the elephants in the various camps by making donations for food.  The elephant camp business, especially the "sanctuary" business,b is not particularly viable from a financial perspective and some of the largest are bleeding money.  There are just too many pachyderms chasing too few tourist dollars.