As the country's national symbol, you would expect the people of Thailand to show nothing but respect for their elephants. But the once-majestic beasts are clearly still viewed by some as mere circus performers.
The park has 42 elephants trained to ride bicycles, play football, basketball, bowling and to dance by "zookeepers".
![Pedal power: It takes trainers at at Nong Nooch Gardens, near Pattaya in Thailand up to six months to teach elephants to cycle - and some are unable to master it](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/17/article-1347944-0CCC3756000005DC-207_634x383.jpg)
Exploiting the elephants this way is animal cruelty. We ask that you retire these elephants to a sanctuary where they can lead a live of normal elephant behavior in natural surroundings.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1347944/Elephants-Thailand-forced-ride-tricycles-steer-trunks.html#ixzz1CnBMu7mT
Mr. Chote TRACHU
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
92 Soi Phahon Yothin 7 Phahon Yothin Road
Bangkok - 10400
Thailand
Tel: 66 2 278 8544
Fax: 66 2 278 8545
EMail: chote.t@mnre.mail.go.th, kasdaporn@gmail.com, wilailak.s@mnre.mail.go.th