We are an independent investigative platform dedicated to documenting and exposing elephant abuse in Thailand's tourism industry.
"We believe no elephant should be chained, beaten, or broken for entertainment. We exist to make that belief into documented, undeniable truth."
UNCHAINED was founded in 2024 by investigative journalists and animal welfare advocates who witnessed firsthand the systematic abuse of elephants in Thailand's tourism industry. What began as scattered reports from concerned travelers has evolved into a comprehensive documentation project tracking welfare violations across hundreds of facilities.
Every year, millions of tourists visit elephant facilities in Thailand. Most have no idea that the elephants they're photographing have been subjected to a brutal training process known as "phajaan" — the crushing — where young elephants are beaten, starved, and isolated until their spirits are broken and they submit to human control.
We don't just raise awareness. We build evidence. We name facilities. We pressure platforms. We give tourists the information they need before they book, and we give authorities the documentation they need to act.
How we verify reports and assess facilities
Every facility dossier is built from multiple independent sources. We never rely on a single account.
We use a standardized welfare checklist based on international animal welfare standards.
Documentation is only the first step. We take action to create real change.
Organizations working with us to end elephant exploitation
Our investigations have been featured in
For media inquiries, facility right of reply, partnership opportunities, or general questions, contact our investigations team.
investigations@unchainedelephants.org