The ethics of elephant tourism in Thailand have been widely debated, as many elephant camps and sanctuaries have been found to practice abusive training methods. Elephants are often subjected to cruel treatment, including being beaten and restrained, in order to make them compliant for tourist interactions. This has led to calls for a boycott of elephant tourism, and many animal welfare organizations recommend avoiding elephant rides and shows. They encourage instead visiting accredited elephant sanctuaries that prioritize the welfare and conservation of these animals.
