Ele Bios

Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary

Our Elephants

Thangthai

Born in 1978, Thangthai’s exact birth date is uncertain. When she was rescued, she was very thin and had wounds on her head from being beaten with a bull hook by her former mahout. Prior to finding a caring home at Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary, Thangthai worked long hours on the island of Koh Chang, where she was forced to give rides to tourists. Carrying such heavy loads under the blazing sun was highly stressful and led to malnutrition and dehydration.

After her rescue, Thangthai began a new chapter in her life. She formed a close friendship with another mature female and took on the role of a nanny to young Frank. She is a sweet-natured elephant who now spends her days foraging in the forest, swimming in the pool, taking mud baths, and enjoying a peaceful life.

Thangthai keeps a gentle, watchful eye over Frank as he plays and explores, offering both guidance and comfort. Their bond is a beautiful reminder of the nurturing relationships that can flourish when elephants are given the freedom to live naturally.

Frank

Frank was born on August 2, 2014, and is the youngest member of the herd. His life began under difficult circumstances, forced to walk the busy streets of Thailand as a begging elephant, separated from his mother and exposed to the noise, heat, and stress of the city. This early experience took a toll on him, both physically and emotionally.

Since his rescue, Frank’s life has transformed. At the sanctuary, he is free to wander through the forest, forage on native vegetation, play in the mud, and cool off in the pool. Full of energy and personality, Frank is a playful and curious young elephant who loves to explore, often getting up to a bit of mischief as he learns about the world around him. Whether splashing in the water, tossing sand over his back, or inventing games with his favourite tyre, he embraces each day with enthusiasm. As he has grown, so too have his tusks and he has learned to use them cleverly—sometimes tucking leaves or treats against his tusks to store for later.

Frank formed a deep bond with his two nannies, Somkid and Thangthai, who cared for him with devotion. Their gentle presence and constant guidance played an important role in his early years. Sadly, Somkid passed away in April 2026, leaving a empty space in his life. Today, Thangthai continues to watch over him with affection, offering comfort and companionship. Despite his difficult beginnings, Frank is now able to enjoy his life in the safety of his sanctuary home.

Pang Motoki

Pang Motoki is a female elephant who was born on January 1, 1986. Previously, she worked in logging, in the north of Thailand. The work was challenging and sometimes she struggled to drag the logs in difficult conditions, and her former owner would hit her with a hook, leaving scars on her head.

Later, Pang Motoki was sold to a different owner and began work in the tourist industry in Pattaya, where she was forced to perform twice a day. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shows were closed, and her former owner lost his income. As a result, Pang Motoki became emaciated and malnourished.

After Covid, Pang Motoki changed jobs again, this time working in a trekking camp where she carried tourists on her back every day, all day long. This constant work caused her legs to rub together when she walked, weakening her hind legs. Eventually, Pang Motoki was unable to continue carrying tourists on her back, and her owner agreed to sell her.

Pang Motoki was rescued on June 18, 2024 and brought to live at Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary, where she is finally retired from work. We hope that the traumas of her past will heal with time and she will make friends with the other elephants as she settles into a more natural life at our sanctuary.

In Loving Memory of Somkid (1967–2026)

Somkid’s life was one of hardship, perseverance, and finally, peaceful years living at Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary. Born on August 9, 1967, she spent decades working in the logging and trekking industries, carrying heavy burdens and walking long distances on hard, unforgiving ground. When she was finally rescued in 2016, the toll of those years was evident in the condition of her feet and body.

At Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary, Somkid was given the chance to begin a new, brighter chapter. In the easy rhythm of sanctuary life, she found freedom, companionship, and care. Somkid formed a close bond with her dear friend, Thangthai, and together they helped watch over young Frank, whom Somkid cared for lovingly as a devoted nanny.

Known for her calm presence and kind nature, Somkid quickly became a favourite among visitors and staff alike. Whether dust bathing, wandering peacefully through the forest, or cooling off in the water, which she loved so much, she carried a quiet joy that touched everyone around her. Her distinctive torn ear became a familiar and unique feature of a truly unforgettable elephant.

Somkid became ill in March and received treatment from veterinarians to help her regain strength and recover. On April 1, 2026, despite our best efforts, Somkid peacefully passed away, surrounded by those who cared for her, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and kindness. Somkid will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and in the life of the herd she helped nurture. Rest in peace beautiful Somkid.

Thank You for Supporting Our Elephants

The Covid pandemic caused severe challenges around the world and placed extreme restrictions on travel. As a result, Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary was closed from March 2020 for almost 2 years. We would like to thank all of the kind hearted people who supported the elephants at Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary during this difficult time.