Elephant fever is set to hit Hua Hin and the royal coast with the arrival of the Elephant Parade.
From 12 October to 22 November 2024, a herd of 35 colourfully painted elephants will be placed at landmarks such as Pineapple Valley Golf Club, BelVida Estates, Blúport and hotels, such as The Standard, InterContinental, Centara Grande, Avani+, Anantara Hua Hin, Hilton Hua Hin Resort and V villas Hua Hin.
Elephant Parade is a social enterprise that organises the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues.
Each statue is a unique work of art created by international artists and celebrities. The life-size baby elephant statues are exhibited in cities all over the world and in special places to raise awareness and money for Asian elephants.
The parade endorsed by the Embassy of the Netherlands, following the success of the Elephant Parade in Phuket and Chiang Mai, Hua Hin will be the next destination on their tour through Thailand, before heading to Bangkok in December this year.
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The elephants make great photo and selfies opportunities. Kids and those who love games can also join a treasure hunt at their convenience. Simply visit each elephant and complete the slogan to be eligible to win a prize.
Furthermore, throughout the six weeks of the parade, Elephant Parade and sponsors will organise fun activities, such as ‘paint your own elephant’ workshops, drawing competitions, a life painting event and meet and greet with artists.
Hua Hin street artist Joe has created the parade’s signature elephant ‘Hugs’. Joe is a well-known local artist who is affectionately known as Hua Hin’s ‘Banksy’, thanks to his eye-catching paintings across town. Joe is invited in Chiang Mai to paint his own design on a full size elephant parade statue. Hugs will be placed for everyone to see in front of BelVida Estates at Petchkasem Road.
Jeannette Brüske, Elephant Parade General Manager Asia & Middle East said: “With this Elephant Parade we show the world how proud we are of our artists who use all their craftsmanship to create these beautiful, unique pieces of art. With its cultural heritage and proximity to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Hua Hin is the perfect place for the next Elephant Parade. Not only will the parade inspire residents, but it will also help to attract domestic and international tourists. We look forward to working with the Hua Hin community to raise awareness and money for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.”
The Elephant Parade originated in 2006 when a baby elephant lost part of her leg after stepping on a landmine and inspired the creation of Elephant Parade. This elephant, named MOSHA, was the first elephant worldwide to receive a prosthetic leg. Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, Mosha’s home base in Lampang, receives annual financial support from Elephant Parade for her care.
Elephants are the national symbol of Thailand. Asian elephants are an endangered species and desperately need our help. Human-elephant conflict, loss of natural habitat, poaching and capture are the greatest issues threatening elephants. In just the recent three generations, 50% of the Asian elephant population has been lost. It is now estimated there are less than 50,000 wild elephants left throughout Asia of which only 2,200 in Thailand.
Be Part of It!
Elephant Parade calls on the Hua Hin business community to join the excitement. Some of the elephants from the herd have not found a temporary home yet. Should you wish to host an elephant during the parade, email jeannette@elephantparade.co.th.
For more details on the Hua Hin Elephant Parade, workshops, and other activities, visit https://www.elephantparade.com/parades/hua-hin-2024