The Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF) is an animal health charity based in Khok Kloi that provides free veterinary care for the elephants of southern Thailand.
The foundation runs an elephant hospital, comprising of a treatment facility, isolation unit and laboratory, and a mobile veterinary clinic to treat patients in rural areas throughout the Southern provinces.
This state-of-the-art elephant hospital, nestling in the lush natural mixed-forest countryside in Phang Nga province, is staffed by local Thai veterinarians and occupies revitalised land once dominated by an old rubber plantation. The hospital, which was officially opened in July 2022, has eliminated the arduous four-hour truck journey that once separated ailing elephants from urgent medical care.
The charity also partners with universities and elephant health organisations to offer training and support to those caring for Asian elephants in the region, to safeguard the well-being of these incredible animals.
STEF’s dedication to elephant welfare is not limited to immediate care; it is a holistic commitment to preserving these remarkable beings and their significance to Thai culture. Jakrapob Thaotad, founder of STEF, said: “Asian elephants are an emblem of Thailand’s cultural heritage, symbolising longevity, loyalty and strength. Our efforts are fuelled by a responsibility to ensure their survival and well-being.”
Volunteer programme
STEF has also recently launched a veterinary volunteer programme, where volunteers can gain valuable skills and further their studies by gaining hands-on experience in veterinary medicine by shadowing two of the elephant hospitals specialist vets as they treat elephants, not only at the hospital, but also through their mobile clinic visits.
The elephant treatment area provides a safe working environment for vets, where elephants can be restrained and even hoisted if necessary.
Many elephants that have received treatment require further monitoring.
Participants will have the opportunity to observe and aid the veterinary surgeons in procedures, and get up close and personal with their larger-than-life patients.
All volunteers will stay on site at the veterinary centre and the only cost is to cover food, accommodation and internal travel, making this programme a valuable EMS opportunity.
‘Fantastic opportunity’
Kate, a qualified vet and recent volunteer, said: “The team could not have been more welcoming from the moment I arrived. The whole experience was great; we travelled to callouts [in the mobile clinic] and also treated elephants at the veterinary hospital.
“It was a fantastic opportunity, and I would highly recommend this project to both vet students and vets alike who want to gain practical, hands-on experience with elephants”.
To find out more about the STEF veterinary volunteer programme, visit bit.ly/4gGXBGe
Anyone interested in becoming a veterinary programme volunteer should visit https://southernthailandelephants.org or email the volunteer coordinator via coordinator@stefthailand.org
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