In the land of Golden Demons
White elephants not for sale
White elephants, not just something for silly sales but a real rarity of royal import. These modern mammoths are linked to the royal identity of Thailand from the time of the Ayutthaya kingdom. As a deeply Buddhist nation these animals are tied to the story of Buddha’s conception. Royal parades and observances such as the passing of the crown with white elephants are quite important.
Elephants seem to have more than just a passing note of historical significance other than being just a part of the army. The alleged turning point of the Burmese-Siamese War (1584-1593) was the Great Battle of Yuthahatthi fought between King Naresuan and the Crown Prince of Burma, Mingyi Swa, which was supposedly settled by elephant duel. This moment was given a memorial and a museum.
Elephant to elephant, tusk to tuskThis moment is so important that it is recognized as the Thai National Armed Forces Day and has seen at least one historian charged legally numerous times over criticism of its accuracy. To the Thai people the strength of an elephant carries the kingdom and sees victory.
Leave a Reply