In a significant stride toward animal welfare and medical care for elephants, Chiang Mai University (CMU) has commenced plans to build a specialized hospital for elephants and wildlife. The anticipated facilities will be located in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, and are set to provide much-needed medical services for sick and injured elephants.
The initiative is spearheaded by CMU's Veterinary Medicine Faculty, with the project receiving the green light from the Office of Agricultural Land Reform (S.P.K.). On March 16, 2025, a team led by CMU President Dr. Pongrak Sritabunditmongkol conducted an inspection of the proposed site, an area designated as land use for the hospital project.
This new facility will consist of a comprehensive range of structures, including an elephant hospital building, staff offices, recuperation spaces for sick elephants, food storage buildings, and housing for mahouts. Utilities such as electricity and water, along with medical equipment, will also be a part of the infrastructure, ensuring a fully functional environment for the welfare of these animals.
Upon completion, the hospital will have the capacity to support the treatment of at least six elephants at a time, particularly those that are critically ill. Moreover, educational training will be offered to veterinary students and interested individuals from both Thailand and abroad, emphasizing the conservation of elephants, wildlife, nature, and sustainable environmental practices.
This initiative has garnered interest from various stakeholders, including potential donors wishing to contribute to the project. CMU is actively seeking financial support for the construction and procurement of medical and operational equipment. Donations can be directed to the Chiang Mai University Elephant Hospital account at Thai Commercial Bank, account number 667-463340-1, which is eligible for tax reduction.
Meanwhile, another important initiative is unfolding with the Social Security Office (S.P.S.) in Thailand, which has announced a survey to gauge the interest of its members regarding the production and distribution of a social security calendar for the upcoming year. This decision comes amidst rising concerns about the effective use of budget resources and the necessity of producing such calendars.
As highlighted in a statement by spokesperson Ms. Niyada Seneeyomai on March 22, 2025, the survey will be conducted from April 1 to April 30, 2025, utilizing both online platforms and direct outreach to members. The goal is to assess demand for the calendars, which are often distributed to various organizations and offices where members are employed.
This year’s survey questions will explore whether members have received a calendar before, their current preferences for receiving one, and suggestions regarding the distribution methods. Following the survey, results will be presented to the Public Relations Subcommittee for further action.
Ms. Niyada added that the calendars include vital information regarding benefits and procedures for receiving them, setting them apart from other promotional calendars.
Additionally, discussions concerning the allocation of land for public welfare are expected to be a highlight in the upcoming social security board meeting set for March 25, 2025. The agenda will include potential investments in public welfare projects, further raising questions about land use effectiveness and transparency.
On this front, the Office of the Prime Minister's Office has been taking steps to scrutinize the allocation processes, aiming to ensure the integrity of public welfare ventures. Concerns about previous misuses of allocated land have prompted a closer examination of ongoing projects.
The dialogue around these initiatives underlines a growing commitment to both animal welfare and public transparency in resource allocation in Thailand. As these significant projects unfold, they reinforce the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement in ensuring well-being across the board.
