Elephants as part of Thai culture and national symbols

Elephants hold a significant place in Thailand. Since 1999, March 13 has been designated as Thai Elephant Day by the Thai Government. It aims to raise and sustain public awareness of the importance of elephant conservation (The Government Public Relations Department, 2010).

White elephant is the national animal of Thailand. It forms an important part of the Thai Culture and national symbols. According to the Thai beliefs, Queen Maya (mother of the Buddha) was only able to conceive after having a dream about a white elephant. This is why white elephant is seen as highly auspicious, brings good luck and enjoys royal status in Thailand (Cavangh, 2008).

Sacred white elephants in a religious parade in Thailand.

Elephants as a form of worker

Elephants were employed to drag teak logs from forests to streams or rivers during the rainy season. Because geographical limits placed physical constraints on working conditions, only the elephant was capable of extracting and transporting teak logs from precipitous areas where the exploitable teak stands were scattered.

Working elephants transporting logs.

Elephants as performers in shows

Elephants in Thailand are being trained in tourism camps to put up entertaining shows catered for the tourist to watch.