A white elephant, according to ancient royal Thai traditions, 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 for a king, and to acquire one during his reign, will result in prosperity and happiness in the kingdom. For Thai people, this magnificent animal possesses special features making it different from other elephants.
Any province discovering a white elephant must report the find to the Ministry of Interior to notify the Bureau of the Royal household. Afterwards, the Bureau conducts a physical examination to determine whether the elephant bears the complete characteristics of a special noble beast.
According to pachyderm observers, in the ancient style, determining whether an elephant possesses special features requires a physical check of the animal's body.
This means hair, eyes, toenails, genitals, and the roof of the mouth and skin. These boy parts must confirm to those defined as "special characteristics."
After establishing that an animal portrays these special features, 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 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.
Centuries ago, Thai kings rode elephants as vehicles of war. A stone inscription from the Sukhothai Period tells how King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (1279 - 1300 AD) decorated "Ruchakri" his favorite elephant, with accessories. Similarly decorated, was an elephant used by the king to lead his subject for merit making at different temples.
Kings of the Ayutthaya Period acquired no fewer than nineteen white elephants. Sven 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 bears a white elephant on a red background.
Succeeding kings each possessed white elephants: King Rama V had nineteen, while King Rama VI and VII each had one.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) possesses ten white white elephants with another non-disclosed amount of white elephants, not yet appointed royal elephants. The first white elephant appointed during His Majesty's reign is "Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phahon"
Elephants are of immense importance in Thailand. They are smart land mammals and hard-working beasts, providing transportation for mankind. At time of war, elephants played an indispensable role in the war machine of Thailand and other Asian countries.
