In many places in Thailand, you can go to watch elephant shows. You can even ride on one for ten minutes which will cost you only 50 baht (about $1.20). During the elephant show you will see elephants painting, walking the tightrope and dancing to disco music. There is also a section of the show where volunteers are invited to lie down and let an elephant walk over them! Would you do that?
I have seen this show in different places. It is always the same. It is perfectly safe to volunteer