The Elephants of Nong Nooch is an animal welfare documentary from Orange Planet Pictures investigating the realities behind elephant tourism in Thailand.

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Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit elephant shows and attractions across Southeast Asia, often unaware of the suffering that can lie behind these performances.

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Many elephants used in tourist entertainment are subjected to a controversial training process known as pajaan, sometimes referred to as “the crush.” This method is designed to break an elephant’s spirit and force the animal into submission so it becomes compliant for rides, shows and tourist interaction.

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The film examines how this practice can leave elephants traumatised and unpredictable — creating serious welfare concerns for the animals and safety risks for the people interacting with them.

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At the heart of the documentary is the story of Helen Costigan, whose sister tragically lost her life during an incident involving an elephant used in tourism. Her experience highlights the often-overlooked human consequences of an industry built around controlling powerful wild animals.

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Through interviews, testimony and first-hand investigation, The Elephants of Nong Nooch raises difficult questions about elephant tourism, animal welfare and the responsibilities of the global travel industry.

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The documentary invites viewers to look beyond the spectacle and consider the true cost of entertainment involving captive elephants.

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Issue featured in this documentary
Elephant tourism and elephant training practices

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Location
Thailand

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Topic
Animal welfare and tourism

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Organisations involved:

Save the Asian Elephants (STAE)

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Produced by
Orange Planet Pictures