My name is Sudarat, and I am the boss of a group of girls affectionately known as “the gang” here at Samui Elephant Haven. At 66 years old, I’ve lived a long and demanding life, and I now move at a gentler pace because of an old knee injury. Each day, my mahout takes me out for gentle exercise to help keep my leg strong and healthy.

My journey began in northern Thailand near Chiang Mai, where I worked as a logging elephant. Later, I was moved to Pattaya and spent many years carrying tourists on my back, sometimes up to 60 trips a day, walking on hot concrete. The chair I carried weighed around 50 kilograms, and at night I was often forced to sleep standing up because the rocky ground made it impossible to lie down comfortably. At four tonnes, standing back up each morning was never easy.

Everything changed when I finally found safety at an elephant rescue park. Here, I am treated with patience, kindness, and respect. I can now sleep peacefully at night, often on soft sand beds that the humans lovingly prepare so I can lie down and rest properly.

I am one of two strong-willed ladies who help guide the herd—the other being Granny Srinin. I may pretend not to like her very much, but truthfully, I have a soft spot for her. Together, we help care for the herd and watch over the growing number of rescued babies who join our family.

When you visit, you’ll often find me resting in the shade, enjoying a quiet nap while keeping an eye on the girls as they play. I am a protective leader at heart, and it’s my job to make sure everyone in the herd feels safe, calm, and content.