**The Royal Elephant National Museum chronicles the role of white elephants in Thailand’s history **
Published: 11/10/2009 at 12:00 AM
Tucked away in a corner of the Dusit Palace compound is an historically significant depository of the long traditions and beliefs associated with white elephants in the Kingdom - the Royal Elephant National Museum.
Some of the most prominent fixtures include huge elephant tusks that date back to the reigns of King Rama V and King Rama VII. Located at the exit of the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, the edifice is built in a beautiful Thai architectural style and encircled with thick vegetation that has been lovingly tended by horticulturists for more than a century.
It was a rainy Monday afternoon when we caught up with Kanchana Otyinphrai, the museum’s curator. Welcoming us with a warm smile, she began by noting that elephants have always played an integral role in Thai culture and history. In ancient times, kings and their courtiers invested a lot of time and energy in hunting elephants for captivity. It was, and still is, a tradition for captured white elephants to be presented to the king and kept within the palace grounds. Entrusted to the care of senior officials, they are fed well, washed regularly and doted on.
“White elephants were considered to have a higher status than ordinary elephants,” said Ms Kanchana, “and they were believed to bring fertility. It was thought that kings who owned a number of fine white elephants would enjoy prosperity and a long reign.”
On the other hand, in the old days superstition had it that if a king’s white elephant died it was a prediction of disaster for the king and the Kingdom.
As we walked past exhibits showcasing how wild white elephants were captured in the past, and the ceremonies that ensued to celebrate and confer royal status on them, Ms Kanchana explained that the attribution of special powers to white elephants began in Southeast Asia.
The Royal Elephant National Museum was built in 1906 by King Rama V to house a royal white elephant that was presented to him by the governor of Lampang province, Chao Boonvat Wongmanit, and bestowed with the title Phra Savet Udomvarn. King Rama VII constructed an additional building in 1927 to house another royal white elephant, which was given the title Phra Savet Kotchadejdilok.
Today the premises are air-conditioned and full of exhibits and illustrations representing the colourful history of Thailand’s auspicious elephants, methods of capturing them and Thai beliefs relating to white elephants.
The large display of tusks from white elephants from the reigns of various kings are a big draw, though some visitors might get a little squeamish at the sight of the preserved white elephant skin that sits beside ceremonial items made from white elephant tusks.
An adjacent building showcases illustrations of rituals held to confer royal titles on white elephants, coupled with the background of the museum.
As the museum is one of the few places to showcase the significance of white elephants in Thailand’s cultural heritage, Ms Kanchana advised visitors to take time to enjoy each exhibit. She said that few Thais take the time to read each illustration, or ask questions, while foreign tourists generally seem much more engaged.
There is indeed much to be missed by hurrying past the displays.
Visiting the Royal Elephant National Museum is a tribute to our national symbol, said Ms Kanchana. With the dwindling number of elephants in the Kingdom, she said it is of pivotal importance to increase awareness among young and old alike of the importance of protecting and preserving Thai elephants.
She pointed out that only 10 years ago, Thailand had 4,000 elephants; now only 2,500 domesticated elephants remain.
*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *