Formerly a sponsor of the recently discontinued King’s Cup Elephant Polo in Thailand, Anantara Hotels and Resorts is now getting involved in elephant-centred activities in a different way – as fundraisers in a charity-driven celebration of the country’s national animal.
“We fully supported The Thai Elephant Polo Association’s decision to end the (polo) games in Thailand and this new annual event allows us to continue to raise much needed funds for the welfare of domestic and wild elephants throughout the region,” an Anantara spokesperson said.
The first part of the fundraiser will see Anantara Golden Triangle and the neighbouring Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) Camp host a series of elephant-centred events in a mountain setting on March 13 and 14.
Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, GTAEF will throw open its doors to local schools, businesses and visitors interested in interacting with the elephants in their natural environment and learning about the work of the foundation that to date has rescued over 60 ex-working elephants from Thailand’s city streets.
The fête will feature such activities as Walking with Giants, an Elephant Buffet, an arts and crafts market as well as an exploration of Northern Thai cuisine and an exclusive VIP evening function.
The second part of the fundraiser, taking place on the March 15-17 weekend, will take place next to Anantara Bangkok Riverside with a dragon boat race down the Chao Phraya, alongside sporting and cultural events by the river.
While teams – including Thailand’s own Navy Seals – battle it out on their elephant themed boats, on land, visitors may treat themselves to digital dry dock rowing tournament, the Old Siam themed Ladies Day, musical concerts, champagne tents, beer gardens and more family friendly fun.
