[webfact]

BMA takes stern step against roaming elephants’ owners


Source: wikipedia.org (file photo)

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has warned elephant raisers not to bring the animal into the city, or they will face criminal charges.

Speaking of the problem of roaming elephants in the capital, Bangkok Deputy Governor Theerachon Manomaipiboon said the effort to find solutions had progressed with all concerned parties’ engagement. According to records, he pointed out that most elephants on the street were brought in by renters, not their owners. In the past 6 months, the BMA has already confiscated 10 roaming elephants while over 80 elephants have been returned to the forest.

The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants.

People can report to the BMA hotline 1555 if they spot any elephant roaming in the city.


-- NNT 2010-07-03

[spiderleghead]

about time, just hope the people buying food know about this

[shaunoro]

This law was put in years ago when Chaun LeePI was govenor.
Just not implemented in a CRACKDOWN.

[dantilley]

I haven't seen an elephant in Bangkok for months, so this policy seems to be working already.

[harrycallahan]

Wish they'd do the same for the primates and snakes and eagles. That or tourists stop giving those pureyors of animal cruelty money.

[Jimi007]

Quote

The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants.

And the government wonders why tourism is down? Some unknowing tourist that buys food for the elephant that is there illegally, is subject to the same fine as the manhout. Brilliant! That's sure to encourage people to tell their friends what a great place Thailand is to visit.

[jfchandler]

Wonder what set this is motion???

Surely not concern for the health and well-being of the animals...

I'd love to know the back story on this one...

Used to have elephant food hawkers on my soi every weekend nights...scouting for tourists.. Likewise, haven't seen a single one now for some time... elephant that is...

[maamoot]

"The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants."
Perfect ! So some dumb smuck here on vacation buys some smelly bananas for the funny elephant and then gets shaken down by the bib

[Colabamumbai]

One came by the house in the countryside in Korat last week I actually enjoyed seeing an elephant on our street.

[gr8fldanielle]

wow! about time too! I just can't see an unsuspecting tourist going to jail for 6 months because they had no idea. That certainly won't go over well, but will bring in some revenue.

just last Saturday there was an elephant at Tanaam Non. Wonder if i'll see that again, I hope not!

This post has been edited by gr8fldanielle: 2010-07-03 13:57

[Bosse137]

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

[Seanextra]

Thailand the Land of Crackdowns but seemingly all the problems seem to snowball !!!  It makes me wonder do they have a board of people throwing darts at a board selecting whats the next crackdown it also seems to me there must be a provision to include a tax fine or jail penalty on farang included or its not a crackdown !

[geaussie]

Bosse137, on 2010-07-03 14:04, said:

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

You put him on a motor cycle!!!!!!

[chutai]

Bosse137, on 2010-07-03 14:04, said:

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

You confiscate then from those who exploit and undermine the dignity of the beast. Be a good idea if alternative employment were to be found for manhout though - if that's the correct term for those that usher the elephants through the streets of Bangkok and elsewhere.

[ThePunPun]

Bosse137, on 2010-07-03 14:04, said:

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

Veeerrrry Carefully

[jboras]

I gave the elephant some bananas but didn't paint any spots on him do I still call to report?

[VBF]

geaussie, on 2010-07-03 14:17, said:

Bosse137, on 2010-07-03 14:04, said:

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

You put him on a motor cycle!!!!!!

And make him wear a crash helmet???

Sorry... I know it's a serious topic - just couldn't resist!

This post has been edited by VBF: 2010-07-03 14:26

[MRCOCONUT]

Bosse137, on 2010-07-03 14:04, said:

How do you "confiscate" an elephant....

JUST PUT IT IN IT'S TRUNK!!

[kennalder]

Jimi007, on 2010-07-03 13:51, said:

Quote

The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants.

And the government wonders why tourism is down? Some unknowing tourist that buys food for the elephant that is there illegally, is subject to the same fine as the manhout. Brilliant! That's sure to encourage people to tell their friends what a great place Thailand is to visit.

No Kidding!
I have woken up some mornings and realized my "small brain" must have been in charge of the last few decisions the previous night.
But not even my "small brain" could come up with something this moronic.

[Thai at Heart]

Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons?

This post has been edited by Thai at Heart: 2010-07-03 14:52

[keith7777]

kennalder, on 2010-07-03 14:48, said:

Jimi007, on 2010-07-03 13:51, said:

Quote

The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants.

And the government wonders why tourism is down? Some unknowing tourist that buys food for the elephant that is there illegally, is subject to the same fine as the manhout. Brilliant! That's sure to encourage people to tell their friends what a great place Thailand is to visit.

No Kidding!
I have woken up some mornings and realized my "small brain" must have been in charge of the last few decisions the previous night.
But not even my "small brain" could come up with something this moronic.

I remember the first time I saw an elephant in BKK, I was sitting in a small bar outside by the street and I was a little drunk. I just looked around and there he was and it scared the crap out of me. I got over it quick though and bought some bananas for it and the man took it away. Since then I have seen them many times in BKK except lately they seemed to have disappeared from the sceen. Didn't mind them too much as I was coming out of Nana night there was one in the entrance and it was so big that with all the food stalls you could not get around it, so had to stay and watch people feed it. Man you know it costs a lot to feed those bad boys and I doubt that if they connot go out on the street that a owner can maintain them.

[tgw]

another wonder of Thailand going away.

[souvenirdeparis]

Thai at Heart, on 2010-07-03 14:50, said:

Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons?

-feet made for mud, not concrete : they burn
-eyes sore with pollution
-ears made to pick up sounds miles around the jungle immersed in heavy traffic .
-possible stories of drugged elephants .
-finally, a mad elephant will charge ; or just a clumsy elephant will back up on your toes.
-they were made illegal 15 years ago already.

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[hardy1943]

tgw, on 2010-07-03 14:57, said:

another wonder of Thailand going away.

No they belong in a refuge and treaded with dignity not out in the street
for some idiot tourist to look at. I know this forum love to bash any thing American
but it has been for centuries now in their federal parks been against the law to feed any wild animal and to keep nature in tact. We have a elephant refuge in Chiang Rai come up here
it is run wonderful for the animals and tourist and enjoy.

This post has been edited by hardy1943: 2010-07-03 15:13

[Thai at Heart]

souvenirdeparis, on 2010-07-03 15:07, said:

Thai at Heart, on 2010-07-03 14:50, said:

Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons?

-feet made for mud, not concrete : they burn
-eyes sore with pollution
-ears made to pick up sounds miles around the jungle immersed in heavy traffic .
-possible stories of drugged elephants .
-finally, a mad elephant will charge ; or just a clumsy elephant will back up on your toes.
-they were made illegal 15 years ago already.

That isn't the question which is "Why is it illegal to purchase food to feed an elephant?"

Quote

The BMA has recently imposed a stern regulation, banning mahouts from bringing their elephants into Bangkok. Violators will be subject to a 6-month jail term or a 10,000-THB fine. The law, which has been put in effect since 22 June, also applies to people who buy food for the elephants.

I don't see how buying food for an animal can be deemed illegal. If Somchai brought a pet "lion" on a chain into Central Bangkok, it might be extremely dangerous, but I wouldn't presume it would be illegal for someone to purchase food for it. But then again of course, I don't write or interpret the crazy laws in this country.

Per se, if I had a pet elephant in my back garden, and a friend bought food for it, that would be illegal???????????

What if you give the food for free? Is that legal?

I can't wait for the headline "Foreigners arrested for feeding elephant"

This post has been edited by Thai at Heart: 2010-07-03 15:17