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Three ElephantsTo share this experience with hotel guests and to create a long-term partnership with the sanctuary to raise much-needed money to support the important work that Khun Lek and her team do daily. 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts offers guests at its hotels in Chiang Mai and Bangkok an option to donate to ENP on check-in with a nominal amount of THB 100 (USD 3.00), THB 300 (USD 9.00) or THB 700 (USD 20.00) per night, based on the name of the 137 Pillars brand. Since the start of the campaign in 2021, donations from guests staying at both 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok and 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, personal and online donations through the online spot fund donation platform total over THB 1 million (approx.

“Although the pandemic has had a devastating impact on elephants and people alike, it has also caused many elephant camp owners to re-think the current unethical programs they offer for tourists,” Khun Lek shares regarding the future of Thai elephants.

This year’s World Elephant Day on 12 August marks the first anniversary of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts Thailand’s CSR partnership with the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Chiang Mai. In celebration of this year’s World Elephant Day, during August, THB 300 (USD9.00) will be donated from 137 Pillars properties in Bangkok (suites only) and Chiang Mai per guest stay. Many of the camps we have supported during the crisis through our elephant food bank campaign have now agreed to remove the saddles from the elephant’s back and move towards a more caring approach with our support.”137 PH - Old House Hero Shot

It turned out to be a deeply spiritual and meaningful experience as Anne spent the day interacting with many of the elephants and learning the needs, complexities and challenges faced by ENP during her interview with K. Lek for the programme. The hotel partnership came about when Anne Arrowsmith, General Manager of 137 Pillars House, was asked to showcase some of the unique aspects of Chiang Mai for a Thailand segment on The Today Show, a popular US TV programme.

For those wanting to visit ENP, tour packages in Chiang Mai, including round trip transportation, can be arranged, starting from THB 3,500 (USD 100) per person, plus applicable service charges and government taxes. This long-term collaboration raises much-needed funds and global awareness for elephant conservation and reforestation in Thailand. 90% of donations go to elephant conservation and 10% to reforestation. Providing a safe place for over a hundred elephants from all over Thailand, the centre is also a natural environment for rescued dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other abandoned and abused animals.

Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary founded by Ms Sangduen Chailert (Khun Lek) in 1996. Anne chose ENP because of its authentic ethos, including their policy of non-riding of elephants. “My team and I work tirelessly to ensure this will catalyse positive change throughout the country. A larger one-off donation can also be made if preferred. ENP sends a receipt and certificate to each donor.

To donate, please visit http://spot.fund/137PillarsENP.

Written by: Supaporn  Pholrach (Joom)