2 Years in a Row: Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary (KES) has been recognised as a Runner-up in the Responsible Thailand Awards for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, in the Animal Welfare category.

The judges highlighted KES’s transition to an observation-only model with no riding and no direct handfeeding, the successful integration of rescued elephants from trekking camps into a natural herd, and the reinvestment of visitor income into elephant care and the local community.

With clear welfare-first policies, measurable sustainability actions, and close collaboration with local stakeholders, Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary continues to be a benchmark for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand.