Chiang Mai: The plight of the elephants

“Come say hello to her,” the Thai announced as he touched the elephant’s trunk with his palm, stroking it. “Like this.” One after another, hands brushed and rustled the crevassed skin; the beast locked gazes with each of her greeters, each making her flinch – was that caution, fear even? – as though subduing a mental barrier of old traumas.