Nongnooch Garden Pattaya Hosts Grand Thai Elephant Day Celebration on March 13 Annually, Featuring a Giant 3-Meter-High Fruit Buffet
At 7:00 AM today, Mr. Kampon Tansacha, President of Nongnooch Garden Pattaya, along with the executive team and the general public, participated in a merit-making ceremony by offering alms to nine Buddhist monks. Nineteen elephants also took part in the ceremony, continuing a beautiful tradition that Nongnooch Garden has upheld for over ten years. During the ceremony, holy water was sprinkled on both the attendees and the herd of elephants to bring blessings and prosperity to all participants.
At 10:00 AM, a traditional elephant blessing ceremony (Hong Kwan Chang) was held, presided over by Mr. Thawatchai Sritong, Governor of Chonburi Province. The event featured a grand parade with performers and 60 intelligent elephants. The highlight of the celebration was the opening of a giant 3-meter-high fruit buffet, marked by the striking of a ceremonial gong, which amazed and delighted tourists.
March 13 is celebrated annually as Thai Elephant Day. Nongnooch Garden Pattaya organizes this event to honor elephants, recognizing their historical and cultural significance to Thailand. Elephants have been revered as royal animals of Thai monarchs since ancient times and were once featured on the national flag. The event also received participation from various government agencies, including Mr. Anusak Piriyomorn, District Chief of Sattahip; Mr. Phairot Jantang, Director of Strategy and Information at the Regional Livestock Office 2; and Mr. Sarayuth Thaniwat, Senior Livestock Academic Specialist from the Chonburi Provincial Livestock Office. Both Thai and international tourists attend this event every year.
