With continued silence from both APSARA and Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism - perhaps it's worth speaking to the company who operates the elephant rides at Angkor. A company operating as Angkor Village Pte Ltd (Singapore) own the website: http://www.angkorvillageresort.asia/elephants.php http://www.angkorvillageresort.asia http://www.angkorvillage.com/ The company proudly claims they were "founded in 1997 with the vision of bringing elephants back to Angkor". Angkor Village Hotel and Angkor Village Resort are located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Angkor Village operates the elephant riding at Angkor, so perhaps they can answer some of your questions as to why they continue to operate the horrendous, cruel practice of elephant riding. Perhaps they can offer answers to questions like "what will happen to the elephants if you stop riding?" as there are numerous elephant sanctuaries in Cambodia where these beautiful elephants could retire. There are solutions available NOW to end this cruelty. Angkor Village can be contacted on +855 (0)63 963 361 or +855 (0)63 963 561 - and you can always email reservations@angkorvillage.com or welcome@angkorvillage.com The pressure continues until the elephant riding stops.