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The elephant population in Thailand has decreased to less than 5,000 as they have been abandoned and left uncared. Concern authorities have made efforts to increase the huge animal’s population through artificial insemination projects.

Phang Sommai is the latest casualty at the Elephant Conservation Centre in northern Lampang province. Her palms were seriously injured and she cannot walk.

Phang Sommai’s injuries highlight the plight of Thai elephants. Some lost their legs after stepping on landmines while dragging timber in the forest. Many others were wounded by cars while roaming Bangkok’s streets as a result of their mahouts’ exploitation.

"Elephants brought to the cities usually become stressed. Sometimes they run wild, hurting people and damaging property. They also suffer from exhaust fumes, as their trunk which is a highly sensitive organ, is at the same level as car exhaust pipes, and they inhale the toxic fumes directly," said Preecha Puangkam, a veterinarian at Mae Sa Elephant Camp.

Despite attempts to improve the well-being of elephants, about 400 of the pachyderms wander in cities. As a result, there are more untimely deaths than there are babies born, causing an imbalance in the elephant population.

Lack of opportunity for natural mating also contributes to the dwindling population of Thai elephants.

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