Thai Elephant 1

What do you know about Thai elephant?

             The important days on march are not only Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist All Saints’ Day) but also another important day for all Thai Elephant called “Thai Elephant Day” to be symbolic which would be held on March 13, the day that Animal Selection Committed has chosen “White Elephant” to be symbolic of Thailand. Besides, elephants in Thailand have always been a symbol of both power and peace.

               In ancient time, elephants roamed freely throughout Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Prior to the 18^th century they took important role in Southeast Asian war. Thai king of the late 17^th century had 20,000 war Elephants was most renowned in the 300-year-war between Burma and Thailand which resulted in Burma’s sacking of Ayudhaya in 1767.

The Beginning of elephant Artist

            

               In the early days of elephant camps, the main roles of elephants are only’ elephant riding’ and ‘logging’ but it was the camp’s founder, Choocart Kalmapijit who realized hidden capability of elephants that inspired him to establish Mae Sa Elephant Camp in 1976. Over the years, Mr. Choochart has purchased elephants from all over country with their mahouts and other experts who worked and fell in love with the elephants. Today Mae Sa Elephant Camp has 78 elephants with a big show and variety of activities Among all the show, elephants painting is the most spectacular show for the tourists both Thais and foreigners. 6 years ago, Mr. Choochart with collaboration of Mr. Chavalit  SaeJen, a Chinese Nation Artist, started to train baby elephants to hold the paintbrush and observed their behavior. Some swept the brush but some just made a dash on the canvas. Then they trained the mahout in order to control elephant to stay still and pick a right color for elephant. Therefore Mae Sa Elephant Camp is the first camp that train elephant to paint.

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