Elephant keepers to go ahead marching their animals to protest in Bangkok

 

 

AYUTTHAYA: -- Elephant keepers vowed to go ahead with their plan to march their animals to Bangkok to pressure the government to meet their demands.

 

The threat followed failure by local authorities in Ayutthaya province to convince elephant owners and keepers to stop the plan  after a negotiation to meet their 3-point demand failed.

 

The owners and keepers want the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to release all the elephants they impounded, to ensure clear individual identification of elephants and to renew DNA tests done in 2016 and 2017 as tests by the department and it’s “Phaya Sua” task force remained skeptical.

 

Yesterday the department, and the Ministry of Interior agreed only to delay the impounding of elephants and asked the keepers to give up their plan to march in the capital.

 

But this was rejected.

 

Earlier in September last year the military junta issued an order under Section 44 of the interim constitution mandating all owners of their domesticated elephants to register for DNA checks to verify their identities and origins.

 

Their elephants would then be certified along with the animals’ identification documents.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/elephant-keepers-go-ahead-marching-animals-protest-bangkok/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-03-03

Opps, the junta didn't include animals in the ban for gathering of 5 or more. Can the elephants be trained to do the 3 fingers salute or eat sandwiches?  

I'm wondering how many elephants have been impounded and why? 

Anybody out there know? 

55 minutes ago, webfact said:

Earlier in September last year the military junta issued an order under Section 44 of the interim constitution mandating all owners of their domesticated elephants to register for DNA checks to verify their identities and origins.

 

Their elephants would then be certified along with the animals’ identification documents.

I guess it's loss of earnings when the elephant is handed over to when it is handed back to the elephant keepers that's angered them. Plus the emotional attachement to the animal.

Science and technology will reveal the true origins of their animals, which is what the elephant owners in Ayutthaya and other provinces are deeply afraid of.  Elephants have been bought and traded like any common cattle for a very long time in Thailand. Still there is no Thai law to differentiate captive elephants from cattle, buffaloes or horses.  

44 minutes ago, Dibbler said:

Still there is no Thai law to differentiate captive elephants from cattle, buffaloes or horses.  

I guess they do not need one for people. We are all a captive audience. As they are heading for Bangkok and its politics be sure to pack a big shovel and rubber boots. You will need it. Be careful the good PM's article 44 is smokin with the rogue monk and other problems. He is starting to look like Merlin more and more every day. 

Elephant shit is great in the garden. Roses especially love the manure.  Any smart residents will be at the roadside on the day of the parade offering to "keep Bangkok's street and highways clean".  Grab as much elephant shit as you can and ignore the politics - should be a logo on all Tourism Authority leaflets for visitors.