BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin held discussions with H.E. Mrs. Edirisinghe Arachchilage Sriyani Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand. The meeting aimed to establish an appropriate cooperative framework for the care of two Thai elephants, Plai Pratu Pha and Plai Srinarong, currently residing in Sri Lanka.
The discussion followed directives from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister to coordinate with relevant agencies regarding the well-being of the two elephants. Both elephants, now advanced in age and developing health concerns, require urgent medical attention and welfare support. Plai Pratu Pha, aged 51, has lived at Suduhumpola Temple in Kandy since 1980, while Plai Srinarong, aged 29, has been at Kelaniya Temple in Ratnapura since 2001.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that both elephants have long served as goodwill ambassadors for cultural and religious ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Their decades of service to Buddhism have symbolized friendship, devotion, and shared cultural heritage. He noted that any decision must carefully consider the deep ties between the two nations, their shared Buddhist traditions, the special needs of aging elephants, and the sentiments of people in both countries who are emotionally connected to them.
Suchart said that Thailand wishes to bring the two elephants home to spend their later years peacefully in their birthplace after completing honorable and meaningful service abroad. He also conveyed the Thai government’s intention to pay a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo to discuss next steps and further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate closely through the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that elephants hold profound significance for both countries — as national symbols in Thailand and auspicious animals in Sri Lankan Buddhism — reflecting shared spiritual and cultural values. He added that Thailand is prepared to support Sri Lanka’s initiative to promote youth participation in environmental and climate action at the upcoming UNEA-7 in Nairobi. He will submit the proposal to the Cabinet for consideration, as it corresponds with Thailand’s strategic emphasis on inclusive, youth-driven participation. (NNT)
