Thailand’s King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

March 18, 2010 – Since 2001 the King’s Cup Elephant Tournament has attracted people from all over the world to raise money to protect Thailand’s elephants and their heritage.  Audemars Piguet and Anantara Resorts to date have raised US$250,000 used to care for more than 60 elephants. 

In 2006 the proceeds were used to build an elephant ambulance for use at the National Elephant Institute (NEI) which provides free veterinary and in-patient care.  Audemars Piguet selects projects that reflect its fundamental values of tradition, excellence and innovation. 

Conserving the planet’s natural heritage and safeguarding animals, Audemars Piguet supports educational projects and environmental awareness-raising.  Anantara Resorts is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) the world’s largest independent hotel group.

GHA partners are renowned for respecting local culture and traditions through their services and products.  The name Anatara is taken from the Sanskrit word meaning “without end” after a Thai tradition of welcoming passing travelers with a jar of water outside of their homes.

Thailand is thought to have a population of around 3,600 domesticated elephants and 1,500 wild elephants.  Medical care, sustenance, employment and mahout training is provided for the elephant population. 

Proceeds from the 2009 project were used as part of a joint Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Chiang Mai University project investigating the benefits of using elephants to treat Autism.  Forty players from four continents and at least 15 countries made up the 12 teams from 2009. 

It has gone from a small two-day event to a week long extravaganza.  The event takes place on the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden triangle, admission is free.