SAMUI ELEPHANT KINGDOM

     The story of Samui Elephant Kingdom is deeply rooted in love, respect, and a profound understanding of elephants. This sanctuary, a beacon of hope for elephants, was brought to life by Chokchai Rueangsri, a man whose life has been intertwined with these majestic creatures for as long as he can remember. Born into a family that has been caring for elephants for generations, Chokchai’s journey with these gentle giants began at a very young age.

      In the past, the elephants of his family were the shining stars of Koh Samui’s tourism industry, their days filled with trekking adventures and performances for eager tourists. But even as a child, Chokchai felt a deep, unspoken bond with these elephants. He saw beyond their physical strength and endurance, into their gentle souls, and he knew that there had to be a better way for them to live.

      This sense of connection stirred something within him, sparking a journey of discovery and understanding. As he delved deeper into the world of elephants, he came face to face with a heartbreaking reality – the elephants that were being used for tourism were suffering. The stress of captivity and exploitation was taking a toll on their health, leading to weakened immune systems and a state of depression.

     This realization was a turning point for Chokchai. He knew that he had to do something to change the fate of these beautiful creatures. And so, the seeds of Samui Elephant Kingdom were sown. A place where elephants could live in peace, free from exploitation, and where their happiness and well-being were the top priority. A place where the story of each elephant was one of hope and healing, rather than suffering and exploitation.

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  THE JOURNEY

As the years rolled on, Chokchai’s heart grew heavy with a sense of injustice. He saw the exploitation of these magnificent creatures intensifying, as the demands of the tourism industry grew ever more relentless. But within him, a dream was taking shape – a dream of a sanctuary where elephants could live in peace, free from chains and fear.

     In 2019, this dream took its first breath of life. The Samui Elephant Kingdom was born, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Over the next three years, time, effort, and resources were poured into creating a haven for these gentle giants. Here, they could finally break free from their chains, retire from service, and begin to rediscover their instinctive behaviours without fear.

​      But the journey doesn’t stop there. Our commitment to the well-being of elephants is unwavering, and our latest endeavour is a testament to this. We are currently in the process of building a state-of-the-art elephant clinic, a beacon of hope for all elephants in the area. Staffed by a veterinarian with specialist skills, this clinic will ensure the very best care for our elephant family.

​     At Samui Elephant Kingdom, we believe in a world where elephants are not just seen, but truly understood and cared for. A world where their needs are met, their spirits are free, and their lives are filled with the joy and peace they so richly deserve. We invite you to join us on this journey, to be a part of this dream, and to help us create a brighter future for these incredible creatures.