Thailand - The Land of White Elephants

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand. Visitors to the country come across the gentle giants in parks, circuses and conservatories. But these large animals have played a more significant role in the country's culture since the past. Unknown to many outside the country, white elephants in Thailand, a rarer breed of the regular mammals, have long been considered as auspicious and lucky. These elephants have a white or pinkish tone to their body and are granted a status equivalent to a deity by the Thai people.

Here we will talk about their history, significance and delve into a few of the Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand:

Why is Thailand Known as the Land of White Elephants?

To find the answer, one needs to be acquainted with the ancient practices of the kingdom that has been handed down for several centuries. 

 The Historical Significance of the Land of White Elephants

This regal White Elephant bears a substantial amount of significance in this country. In keeping with the traditions of the Thai culture, the social status of a monarch has always been determined by the number of white elephants they have under their ownership. However, not any and every white elephant is accepted into the royal kingdom. They are put through a number of tests that are usually held by the official Bureau of the Royal Household in order to ascertain that the elephant in concern is deserving of the honour. In addition to being physically fit, these animals should also be easy to train. 

Of all the sovereigns who sat on the throne of the Kingdom of Thailand, King Bhumibol was the one to own the most number of elephants. Of the twenty-one white elephants that were under his ownership, eleven are still alive. However, six of them are no longer a part of the Royal Household - an instance of how the process of bestowing the white elephants with imperial titles is carried. Even today, a Royal Member strives to uphold his status with at least eleven white elephants in his stable.

 White Elephants in Thailand- A National Symbol

The revered white elephant of Thailand has found its way up on the Naval Flag of the country. Against the backdrop of the national flag of Thailand is a bright red circle, at the heart of which stands a white elephant, decked in gold. In addition, the diplomatic flags of Thailand also bear the image of the white elephant inside a blue circle against the backdrop of the national flag. A number of provincial flags, including that of the Chiang Rai Province as well as the Nakhon Nayok Province, bear the revered image of the white elephant. Formerly, the national flag of Thailand too was an image of the white elephant set against a scarlet background.

Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

1. Phang Nga Elephant Park

Phang Nga Elephant Park is a great place to visit with family. The keepers here help you understand the elephants and the conservation practices followed. You can have a half-day or full-day tour. The best part is you will also get to participate in a Thai cooking class here.

Address: 49/1 Moo 3 Thung Kha Ngok, Mueang Phang-nga District, Phang-nga 82000, Thailand
Contact: +66 85 351 5536

2. Elephant Nature Park

This park is one of the famous elephant conservation parks in Thailand. This nature park is in Chiang Mai, the northern city of Thailand. The park shelters over thirty-five elephants.

Address: Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 272 855

3. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home for thirty beautiful Asian elephants. You can watch the loving animals roam freely in the jungle sanctuary. You can experience the local culture in a night stay at the local village, Karen. 

Address: 119 10 Thapae Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 273 415

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, do hit the local sanctuaries and elephant parks. You can enjoy a day with these lovely animals. From feeding to riding them, you can choose loads of activities, to make your trip a memorable one.

3. Elephant Tours in Thailand

At present, these mesmerizing creatures are fairly accessible to the visitors as well as the residents of this country. A number of tour agencies host various kinds of elephant safaris where people can touch, interact with, as well as embrace these wonderful animals. Usually referred to as the "chang samkhan" in the local language, which may literally be translated to "auspicious elephant", the Thai consider these animals to be a symbol of purity, prosperity, power, as well as divinity.

Cost: THB 700 - THB 8500

Thailand is a place that shall inevitably be etched in your memory long after you have come back. It is one of those dreamy paradisiacal places that draw you in with its ethereal charm. In addition to its pristine wonder, Thailand's fascination with the gorgeous white elephants only adds to its mysterious aura. So while planning your next trip to the land of white elephants, make sure to meet them!