It is notoriously difficult to tell how ethical elephant sanctuaries are, which is why The Great Projects works entirely with elephant conservation projects in wildlife reserves and national parks where elephants roam freely.
If you're interested in volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand or similar destinations for elephant volunteering, it's important to avoid sanctuaries that allow elephant riding, bathing, and performances. Ethical elephant sanctuaries prioritize observation and limit interactions. They will not use bull hooks or chains to control and contain the elephants.