CHIANG MAI, Thailand – September 10, 2012 – There are many accolades Sangduen “Lek” Chailert has received in the past two decades. On Thursday, Sept. 6, the animal rights activist, humanitarian and founder of Save Elephant Foundation received another honor – this time from the Ministry of Culture Club.
Chailert, along with eight other women, were named Outstanding Thai Women for their promotion of Thai values and preservation of the culture.
A part of the Ministry of Culture Club’s “Recruitment Project 2012,” the honorees are being recognized for their distinctive personalities, integrity, contribution to society and being setting an example for other women to follow.
The ceremony took place at the Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok. The program will air Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on Channel 5 in Thailand.
About Sangduen “Lek” Chailert: While Sangduen Chailert’s nickname is “Lek,” meaning “small,” there is nothing small about her. As founder of Save Elephant Foundation, which operates Elephant Nature Park, Surin Project, Journey to Freedom and more, Chailert has been instrumental in leading the charge to change the way Asian elephants are treated in Southeast Asia. In 2010, Chailert was named one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation. She was also named one of Time magazine’s “Heros of Asia” in 2005 and Ford Foundation’s “Hero of the Planet” in 2001.
About Save Elephant Foundation: A Thai non-profit organization, Save Elephant Foundation is dedicated to providing care and assistance to Thailand’s captive elephant population. It operates through a multifaceted approach which involves local commnity outreach, rescue and rehabilitation programs and educational ecotourism operations. Its projects include: Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for more than 30 elephants, which is consistently ranked as one of Chaing Mai’s top attractions by Trip Advisor; Journey to Freedom; Surin Project; Jumbo Express; Elephant Haven; and more.
For additional information about Save Elephant Foundation, please visit:
Website: www.saveelephant.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/saveelephantfoundation
Twitter: @save_elephant
