Another very good reason is that elephants are very much attracted to alcohol. In India it has been reported that wild elephants have raided villages seeking home brewed beer. They have been known to get very angry when they can smell alcohol on a person and they aren't getting any. if you have been drinking, stay well clear!
0
Bangkok Takes Stern Step Against Roaming Elephants Owners
Started by webfact, 2010-07-03 12:54
#27
Senior Member Posted 2010-07-03 15:25:11
Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons? -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" 
#28
Senior Member Posted 2010-07-03 15:34:43
I haven't seen an elephant in Bangkok for months, so this policy seems to be working already. Edited by on-on, 2010-07-03 15:36:27. #29
Super Member Posted 2010-07-03 15:36:05
Just in time, I was about to take Dumbo to Bangkok.
#30
Newbie Posted 2010-07-03 16:01:52
Having worked at a refuge where rescued elephants can 'retire' after years of performing for tourists and begging on the streets, I think news of this crackdown, whether it's well implemented or not, is good.
Here's just a little about street begging elephants from Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand: "Historically, domestic elephants have been used mainly in the logging industry, ironically and unwillingly helping to destroy the very habitat they need to survive. After the ban on logging, most of these elephants have ended up being used for the tourism industry or have had to make a living begging on the streets of big cities. Walking day and night on these dirty and traffic congested streets is dangerous and unhealthy and very often, these elephants end up being involved in horrific traffic accidents. Despite the flurry of media publicity and government attempts to corral the elephants in 2004, begging elephants, particularly babies, are being used in high numbers in the cities of Thailand again. Unfortunately, the majority of the elephant handlers are not trained mahouts with specialized knowledge of elephant control. The keepers of the begging elephants are solely interested in making profit through their animals, who are often rented out to them by rich businessmen for as little as 1500 baht a month (approx. 30 euros). Elephant babies are forced to walk for hours at a time at night, and during daylight hours are concealed in disused dumps, construction sites, or scrubland, with inadequate shade from the sun. To keep them looking small and cute, some elephants are deliberately underfed. There have been various solutions put forward by officials to the problem, such as animal registration, microchipping or alternative job creation for the mahouts, but as of yet, these efforts have unfortunately had little effect. As with all wildlife, WFFT strongly advises tourists and locals alike never pay for 'entertainment' that comes in the form of elephant exploitation."  I know punishing the tourists for buying food for the elephant will prove unpopular, but quite frankly, if the tourists are so stupid that they think elephants being on the street is a good thing, then they deserve correcting. At least their punishment (unlikely as it is to be enforced) might raise some much needed awareness of the issue. #31
Senior Member Posted 2010-07-03 16:10:52
How do you "confiscate" an elephant.... The same way as you put an elephant in the fridge - d-u-u-u-u-u:cheesy: #32
Platinum Member Posted 2010-07-03 16:14:11
How do you "confiscate" an elephant.... Put him in roller skates - easier to move! #33
Super Member Posted 2010-07-03 16:20:07
<br>another wonder of Thailand going away.<br> #34
Super Member Posted 2010-07-03 16:53:27
<BR>How do you "confiscate" an elephant....<BR> #35
Super Member Posted 2010-07-03 16:55:08
why does my replies have thesse marks before them ?
#36
Advanced Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:04:42
Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons? -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 new law seems to be for Bangkok only. Althought I think it should be implimented in all larger cities within the country. The reason for it being illegal is it is well documented as being cruel to these large animals living within a major city. They have made this law to try to put a stop to this. Anyone who really wants to feed an elephant should go to one of the elephant parks around the country where the elephants are most likely enjoying their lives. #37
Platinum Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:10:58
<BR>
<BR>another wonder of Thailand going away.<BR> Why is a tourist walking down the street who sees a elephant a idiot? But one who spends a lot of money to go to Chiang Rai where he can spend more money to see a elephant not a idiot. You talk about treating them with dignity yet you pen them up and refuse to let them run wild witch is the natural thing for them to do. Not that I approve of elephants on the street but what is the alternative for them. Will they be fed and medically taken care of or just penned up until they die. To be fair how are they treated by the handlers who take them on to the streets? To be sure many of them are mistreated but is the alternative any better?I agree with most of the points a previous poster put up. However the reason they have big ears is to help regulate there body temperture. Yes the streets must be hard on there feet. Edited by jayjay0, 2010-07-03 17:18:05. #38
Purrfect Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:35:29
I haven't seen an elephant in Bangkok for months, so this policy seems to be working already. I don't think nelephants have hooves. #39
Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:39:53
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. What they neep to do is post sign in all hotels warning about the fine. #40
Platinum Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:43:05
I wonder when they do the crackdown on roaming ladyboys?
And how about rather then cracking down on elephant owners they introduce license prior anyone being able to purchase an elephant. Most if not all of those who bring elephants into the city make a living from the tourist and thats how they feed the gentle giants, now that they can not-how will they feed them or wil they feed them at all? #41
Sabai Sabai Member Posted 2010-07-03 17:44:59
This new law seems to be for Bangkok only. Althought I think it should be implimented in all larger cities within the country. The reason for it being illegal is it is well documented as being cruel to these large animals living within a major city. They have made this law to try to put a stop to this. Anyone who really wants to feed an elephant should go to one of the elephant parks around the country where the elephants are most likely enjoying their lives. I think you are misunderstanding my point. Of course elephants shouldn't be paraded around cities to essentially beg for food. I am questioning the issue as to why it is illegal to buy food for an elephant and feed it, other than to entrap people who are buying food and prosecute them? I don't understand how it can be illegal to feed and animal standing (be it illegally) in front of me. It is one thing to put up signs to say "please don't encourage elephant begging by feeding them", to making it an offence to do so. I can imagine the headlines when Tom the tourist is fined for feeding an elephant, but the Mahout and elephant merrily go on their way. Whilst it can be arranged to return elephants to their natural habitat, Somchai the copper is not going to do it. #42
Platinum Member Posted 2010-07-03 18:03:30
I am questioning the issue as to why it is illegal to buy food for an elephant and feed it, other than to entrap people who are buying food and prosecute them? I don't understand how it can be illegal to feed and animal standing (be it illegally) in front of me. It is one thing to put up signs to say "please don't encourage elephant begging by feeding them", to making it an offence to do so.
I can imagine the headlines when Tom the tourist is fined for feeding an elephant, but the Mahout and elephant merrily go on their way. Whilst it can be arranged to return elephants to their natural habitat, Somchai the copper is not going to do it. And, on another point, it's not just a touristy thing. I've seen begging elephants before way off the tourist trail - and Thais, it seems, are much more willing to feed the elephants than tourists are. Edited by dantilley, 2010-07-03 18:05:25. #43
Still A Beach Bum Posted 2010-07-03 18:03:54
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. #44
Super Member Posted 2010-07-03 18:32:09
Oh my GOSH! - thai is such a shock! I've NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE! - .........NOT!
#45
Member Posted 2010-07-03 18:37:16
Chang chang chang chang chang, nong kei hen chang rue pleu....
#46
Advanced Member Posted 2010-07-03 18:47:02
We have a elephant refuge in Chiang Rai come up here.========= Where in Chiang Rai is this refuge??
Edited by jimbo38, 2010-07-03 18:47:59. #47
Newbie Posted 2010-07-03 18:52:18
<br>
<br>
<br> Quote <font color="#1c2837"><font size="2">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.<br></font></font> #48
Senior Member Posted 2010-07-03 19:06:03
Yawn, crackdowns on elephants in BKK happen every 2 years or so, we were getting overdue for another. No news here.
#49
Senior Member Posted 2010-07-03 19:11:48
Why is it criminal to feed an elephant but not a street dog or pigeons? Apprently its actually an offence to feed stray dogs in Bangkok. just as usual no one follows the rules #50
Sabai Sabai Member Posted 2010-07-03 19:20:50
Common sense would dictate that they'd more more lenient with tourists who probably won't know that what they're doing is illegal. But, I doubt they'll systematically go around fining people for feeding the elephants - it sounds more like they're trying to cut the problem off at the source, by preventing the elephant from being there in the first place. This thing about the feeding being illegal is more about the message conveyed I think - they're saying "there's no point in bringing the elephant into town anyway, as we're making it illegal to feed them, so why bother". And, on another point, it's not just a touristy thing. I've seen begging elephants before way off the tourist trail - and Thais, it seems, are much more willing to feed the elephants than tourists are. And there you have the very nub of the problem about writing laws that rely on the "common sense" interpretation of the BIB. That is why you have "law makers" to write laws and police to enforce them, not use "common sense". I am sure Somchai the copper will see the perfect logic in turning a blind eye to a money making opportunity by using "common sense" . I mean, the BIB are famed for their common sense approach to law enforcement which normally revolves around sitting under a tree waiting for a person to ride by with no helmet. Common sense dictates that it is the easiest and simplest way to feather one's pocket and is infinitely less effort than doing silly things like actively enforcing laws and catching far more nefarious criminals which often entails things like working. Law enforcement,Thailand, Thai Police, corruption and "common sense" all nicely blended for a wonderfully simple way to solve the problem. I will remember the "common sense" defence if I get nicked. "Come on Mr. Policeman, please use some common sense." 
Edited by Thai at Heart, 2010-07-03 19:23:07. |
Sponsored by ... |
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
