STEF Veterinary Centre

Phang Nga Elephant Hospital, or STEF Veterinary Centre, is the first elephant hospital established by a non-governmental organization (NGO) in southern Thailand. Operated by the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation, it is located in Khok Kloi Subdistrict, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga Province, on a former rubber plantation. The center is equipped with specialized medical facilities for elephants, including elephant transport platforms (Ha Ha), restraint systems and hoists, elephant weighing scales, elephant shelters, and recovery pens. It provides veterinary services for sick or injured elephants in the southern region, along with a mobile veterinary unit for off-site services. Furthermore, it has a volunteer veterinary program to assist in elephant health care and educate mahouts and local communities.

The medical services provided by the Phang Nga Elephant Hospital and its mobile veterinary unit to elephants in the area are free of charge, as they are operated by a charitable organization and funded by donations.

The area surrounding the hospital is situated on what was formerly a rubber plantation in Khok Kloi Subdistrict, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga Province. It offers a natural environment and green spaces for elephants and native wildlife.

Travel by car to Khok Kloi Subdistrict, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga Province, located north of Phuket Province. The drive from Phuket International Airport takes approximately 30 minutes.