Elephants have been in the service of humans for around 5000 years. In ancient Thailand, elephants played a fundamental role in the military, being both transport and weapon. Elephants have greatly influenced Thai culture, myth and religion.

In northern Thailand, many elephants belong with Karen people; hill tribe people living in northern Thailand and southern Myanmar, elephants were born in their villages and transferred by generations to generations. Nowadays, elephants work in the tourism and entertainment sectors but very few companies treat their elephants well.

Elephant Rescue National Park is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project located in Doi Inthanon National Park area; Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a cooperative between members of the Karen hill-tribes who are elephant care takers and Chiang Mai locals who work with tribal people and elephants for many years and concern about elephant’s health and quality of life.