Thai people have had a close-knit relationship with elephants since ancient times, with the elephant playing a significant role in transportation, labor and battle
The Thai government declared the 13th of March to annually be the Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day (Thai: วันช้างไทย). The observance was suggested by the Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand and submitted to the Coordinating Subcommittee for the Conservation of Thai Elephants.
To raise the people’s awareness, activities for elephants have been set up and people can come to join in them too. The activities include buffet food for elephants, a traditional blessing ceremony, and a special elephant show.
Chang Thai Day (Thai National Elephant Day) has three main purposes. The first is to show how significant elephants are to Thailand. The second is to demonstrate how the Thai culture depends on the elephants. Lastly, this annual celebration promotes awareness about protecting and conserving the Thai elephant population and its habitats.
Today as 13th March 2020, Elephant Family Phuket does take activities to raise awareness include buffet luncheons for elephants and do a traditional blessing ceremony.
