pang chang village...ancient source of power

According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant 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 fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

Kings of the Ayutthaya Period acquired no fewer than nineteen white elephants. Seven 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 bore a white elephant on a red background.

Elephants are of immense importance in Thailand. They are smart land mammals and hard-working beasts, providing transportation for mankind. At times of war, elephants played an indispensable role in the war machine of Thailand and other Asian countries.

The elephant appears in many Thai proverbs and sayings and is an emblem on regalia of national importance such as prior national flags of Thailand, royal emblems, and royal decorations. Undoubtedly, the elephant holds pride of place as the national symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand... ...In Pang Chang village, located near to Ayutthaya, thai people and wild animals still conected for the history and the present...both, hand to hand, still working together triying to keep alive the old traditions and spirit of freedom of this land...