On March 13, 2025, ceremonies were held in Surin and Ayutthaya to mark Thai Elephant Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring elephants and recognizing their cultural and historical significance in Thailand. The Surin Provincial Administrative Organization led the event at the Elephant Study Center in Ban Ta Klang, while Ayutthaya hosted a parallel ceremony at the Peniat Luang Elephant Village. The day featured religious rituals, merit-making ceremonies, and a grand feast for the elephants.
In Surin, the event included traditional Buddhist ceremonies, worship at the Pakam Shrine, and merit dedications for mahouts, elephant doctors, and elephants that have passed away. Over 100 elephants participated, receiving food and care in a gesture of appreciation for their role in Thai society. The event also emphasized the historical significance of elephants, particularly in warfare, where they served as the royal mounts of Thai kings.
Meanwhile, in Ayutthaya, the Phra Khotchaban Foundation and the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Peniat organized a large merit-making ceremony. Ten monks, led by Phra Yan Trai Lok, received alms as part of the religious observances. Following the ceremony, more than 70 elephants were treated to a traditional Chinese banquet featuring sugarcane, watermelon, bananas, and other seasonal fruits.
Thai Elephant Day was officially established by the Thai government on May 26, 1998, following a recommendation from the Thai Elephant Conservation Coordination Subcommittee. The date, March 13, was chosen as it marks the day the white elephant was declared a national symbol by the National Animal Selection Committee. The occasion serves as a reminder of the elephant’s cultural importance and the need for conservation efforts.
Dignitaries, local officials, and members of the public participated in the celebrations, underscoring the continued efforts to honor and protect Thailand’s national animal.
