What do you think about when talking about “Thailand”? I’m sure some of you probably think about an elephant or in Thai is “Chang” since it’s a national symbolic animal of Thailand.
In 1998, the Thai government declared that 13th March every year is National Thai Elephant Day or in Thai we say Wan Chang Thai. It serves as a reminder of how important this keystone species is to Thailand. Elephants are one of the most intelligent species to grace our planet and share many of the same emotions that we do. But, when talking about an elephant, what do you think about it? Elephant tour? Elephant sanctuary? Elephant bathing? Yeah, most of them are now in tourist industry but do you know the reasons why an elephant is a symbol of Thailand? Let’s find the reasons here.
The importance of elephants in Thailand
Thai people have had a close-knit relationship with elephants since ancient times. The elephant playing a significant role in transportation, labor and batter. In the past, elephants were majestic animals of kings of Thailand even in a war there were special soldiers who had an important duty of protecting elephant’s feet. So, we believe that besides humans, elephants are one of the reasons that Thailand is Thailand nowadays. Additionally, white elephants are considered sacred and are a symbol of royal power. Moreover, elephants are animals that we offer to other countries for enhancing diplomatic relationship. The same reasons as Pandas from China.
The purpose of National Thai Elephant Day
There are 3 major purposes. The first one is to show how significant elephants are to Thailand. The second one is to demonstrate how the Thai culture depends on the elephants. Lastly, this annual celebration promotes awareness about protecting and conserving the Thai elephants in habitats
What we do on this day?
To raise awareness, activities take place around the nation. For example, in Chiang Mai, activities included buffet luncheons for elephants, a traditional blessing ceremony and a special elephant show in some elephant camps around Chiang Mai.
But not just in Chiang Mai that you can find elephant camps or sanctuaries. In Kanchanaburi, Ayuthaya and also in Phuket, there are several elephants sanctuaries you can participate the provided activities.
