The elephant is Thailand’s national animal. Known as chang in Thai, elephants are deeply embedded in the country’s history and culture.
(Photo: Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary)
National Thai Elephant Day
In Thailand, March 13 is recognised as National Thai Elephant Day. Established in 1988, National Thai Elephant Day serves as a tribute to the elephant’s historical and cultural importance in Thailand. Some elephant conservation centres mark the occasion by organising Buddhist ceremonies on March 13 to honour and bless the elephants and the kwan chang (mahouts) who care for them.
Elephants in Thai culture
Visitors traveling across Thailand will quickly notice the deep connection between elephants and Thai culture. Statues and carvings of elephants are commonly found in temples and shrines, while elephant motifs frequently appear in artwork and souvenirs. Even hotels often include towel elephants as part of their welcome arrangements for guests.
Elephants have long been embedded in Thai tradition. In Buddhist beliefs, Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, is said to have conceived after dreaming of a white elephant. The significance of elephants extends into Hinduism as well, which influences Thai Buddhist iconography. Hindu deities often depicted in Thai temples include Ganesh, the elephant-headed god known as Phra Phikanet in Thai, and Erawan, the three-headed elephant associated with Indra, who is revered as the ruler of all elephants in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Historically, elephants played a key role in warfare, serving as formidable assets in battle. While advancements in modern warfare eventually made their military use obsolete, elephants continued to be used for transportation and in the logging industry. During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the mid-19th century, an elephant was featured on the flag of Siam. Today, the white elephant remains a symbol on the ensign of the Royal Thai Navy.
Thailand’s wild elephant population
The Thai elephant belongs to the Asian elephant species, which is classified as endangered. It is estimated that around 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, with approximately 7,000 residing in Thailand.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
About half of Thailand’s elephant population lives in the wild, primarily within the protected areas of national parks. Travellers hoping to observe elephants in their natural habitat can visit locations such as Khao Yai National Park (northeast of Bangkok) and Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province (southwest of Hua Hin).
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Ethical elephant tourism
In 1989, Thailand implemented a ban on the logging industry. While this was a victory for conservation, it also created challenges for elephant caretakers, many of whom relied on logging for their livelihood. Some turned to illegal logging, while others resorted to bringing elephants into cities to beg for food. Over time, tourism emerged as an alternative way of supporting elephants and their caretakers.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Unfortunately, not all tourist attractions in Thailand treat elephants ethically. Some establishments have been known to exploit or mistreat these majestic animals. However, there has been a growing shift toward responsible tourism, with an increasing number of ethical elephant sanctuaries that prioritise the welfare of the elephants under their care.
(Photo: Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary Facebook page)
If you’re planning a visit to Thailand and seeking an up-close experience with elephants, please choose an ethical elephant centre where the well-being of the animals and mahouts is the priority.
