What used to be the only way some people traveled in Bangkok?

Bangkok has all the problems of any modern city including world-class traffic jams. It also has some traffic problems unique to Thailand. CNN’s Bangkok Bureau chief, Daninque explains. This used to be the only way some people traveled in Bangkok, by elephant. A long time ago cars replaced them, but some can still be seen in the city, nice for tourists but a real problem for city officials. Elephants can cause a traffic jam that is already bad to become worse. The city of Bangkok has now ordered the elephants off the streets. Elephant handlers will be fined if police catch them on the streets but most are encouraged to be here instead. The city has created an elephant sanctuary so the animals have a place to go instead of roaming the streets. In recent weeks it has turned into somewhat of a local tourist attraction. School children have flocked to the vacant lot for what might be the first time to see a live elephant. So far the elephant rescue program has been a success. Fifteen have been taken off the streets and brought here to the elephant center. Twelve of them returned back home to the provinces sort of half way house for Pakiderms. The elephant camp is only a temporary solution to the problem. Thailand does have an elephant round—up once each year in the northern province. It is promoted by tourism officials. But city officials are working on a plan to turn their problems into profit. Some are talking about making the elephant camp permanent at a larger location. It could provide tourists the same chance as these school children.