The Thai elephant faces a decline in natural habitat, ivory poachers, and even death at the hand of man if caught trespassing into human settlements close by forested areas of the country.

Elephant handlers--mahouts--often bring domesticated animals into cities seeking work. The locations can spell danger: broken sidewalks, holes in roads and fast-moving traffic can often result in accidents.

Nevertheless, there is a strong bond between the Thai people and elephants. Elephants hold a revered place in society, because of their symbolic importance to monarchs, religion, and the nation as a whole.

Thai tradition abounds with examples of the elephant playing an important role in the workings of the Kingdom. Most significant of all, perhaps, is the white elephant, prized because it is a rare animal judged fit only for royal duties.

According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

If any province in Thailand comes across a white elephant, the find has to be reported to the Ministry of Interior. They notify the Bureau of the Royal Household, which conducts a physical examination to decide if the elephant bears the complete characteristics of a special, noble beast.

Determining whether or not an elephant possesses special features is a daunting task and requires a physical check of the animal's body. This means hair, tail, eyes, toenails, genitals, and the roof of the mouth and skin. These body parts must confirm to those defined as "special characteristics."

When this has been satisfactorily established the Bureau informs His Majesty the King of their findings. Following His Majesty's consent, a ceremony takes place to bestow honor on the elephant and elevate it to the position of a royal white elephant, honored as a prince after the appointment ceremony ends.

This ancient, royal tradition is most important and a way to show gratitude to elephants that have proved of great value to Thailand - in times of war and peace.

Kings of the Ayutthaya Period acquired no fewer than nineteen white elephants. Seven of these magnificent beasts were found during the reign of King Mahachakkaphat (1548-1569 AD), a king whose glorious pursuits were recognized internationally. The Supreme Patriarch of the day, and noblemen, presented the king with the title "King of the White Elephant."

During the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama I was said to possess ten white elephants, while King Rama II possessed six. Three ranked as "major" white elephants, earning the king the title of "King of the White Elephant." From that time, until the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the national flag of Thailand bore a white elephant on a red background.

Succeeding kings each possessed white elephants: King Rama V had nineteen, while Kings Rama VI and VII each had one.

The present King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) possesses ten white elephants with another six, not yet appointed royal elephants. The first white elephant appointed during His Majesty's reign is "Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phanon."

Elephants are of immense importance in Thailand. They are smart land mammals and hard-working beasts, providing transportation for mankind. At times of war, elephants played an indispensable role in the war machine of Thailand and other Asian countries.

Commanders fighting duels on elephant back, documented throughout Thai history, required strategic planning and great skills to lead armies to win wars. Elephants in battle played a sterling part in maintaining the sovereignty of Thailand in past war periods.

The elephant appears in many Thai proverbs and sayings and is an emblem on regalia of national importance such as prior national flags of Thailand, royal emblems, and royal decorations. Undoubtedly, the elephant holds pride of place as the national symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand.