Elephants in Ayutthaya honor the Queen Mother with a touching ceremony

Elephants in Ayutthaya honor the Queen Mother with a touching ceremony

A moving ceremony honoring the late Queen Mother Sirikit was held yesterday in Ayutthaya, a city known for its historical significance and cultural values. Elephant handlers gathered at the Elephant Kraal in Suan Phrik Subdistrict to show respect for the Queen Mother, whose commitment to protecting Thai elephants will not be forgotten. Laithonglian Miphan, the owner of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Elephant Kraal, was full of gratitude during this memorable event, which was also attended by many citizens and staff. Nine magnificent elephants were decorated with black and white fabrics and white flower garlands, carried portraits of the Queen Mother on their backs and took center stage at the ceremony.

A striking part of the program was a 93-second minute's silence, which poignantly celebrated the memory of the “Mother of the Country”. Laithonglian recalled with emotion previous encounters with the Queen Mother and praised her commitment to elephant conservation. “She always urged us to take good care of the elephants,” he said. Inspired by her wisdom, Laithonglian successfully bred over 100 elephants in the region. The Queen Mother gave valuable tips on elephant care that are still valued by him and his family today. Not just Ayutthaya but all of Thailand showed signs of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and people dressed in black to mourn the loss.

Elephant rescue and its importance

The Queen Mother was also a co-founder of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, which was launched as a royal initiative in 2002. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to reintroducing captive elephants into the wild. Their mission includes protecting natural habitats, researching and educating Asian elephants, and promoting their long-term survival. In the foundation's three large forest reserves, over 100 formerly captive elephants have been successfully returned to their natural habitats. Here the elephants live freely and without the influence of tourism, which promotes their health and well-being.

The foundation has celebrated many successes since its founding, such as the release of 84 elephants between 1998 and 2012. The focus on this unique habitat is not only a sign of respect for these majestic animals, but also an important contribution to combating climate change. Elephants play a crucial role in reforestation and carbon storage by spreading billions of seeds. World elephant day, created by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, has significantly raised awareness for the protection of this endangered species since 2012.

Beyond the souvenir

With the marriage of tradition and modern conservation, the idea of ​​the elephant as a national symbol remains deeply anchored in the Thai heart. The memories of the Queen Mother, considered not only an architect of elephant conservation but also a cultural icon, extend beyond the ceremony in Ayutthaya. In Yasothon, Bueng Kan and Chon Buri provinces, mourning was expressed through the wearing of black clothing and memorial services. Congregations open books of condolence to people who want to show their sadness and gratitude for their lifelong commitment.

Overall, the ceremony, which was also a tribute to the Queen Mother, also showcased the unbreakable bond between Thais and their elephants, a bond strengthened by tradition, respect and conservation. Laithonglian and the elephant handlers have promised to take part in a tribute procession at the Grand Palace, once again highlighting the Queen Mother's legacy.