Nongnooch Garden Pattaya Celebrates Thai Elephant Day with a Grand Parade and Traditional Blessing Ceremony
Today (13 March 2026) at 07:00 AM, Mr. Kampon Tanasatcha, President of Nongnooch Garden Pattaya, together with the management team and staff, participated in a merit-making ceremony and alms offering to nine monks. A total of 19 elephants joined the ceremony to bring good fortune and blessings to the participants and the elephant herd. The ceremony also included the sprinkling of holy water to bless both the attendees and the elephants.
Later at 09:00 AM, the traditional “Hong Khwan Chang” (Elephant Blessing Ceremony) was held—an ancient ritual believed to bring prosperity and well-being to the elephant herd. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Adirek Unosot, Deputy Governor of Chonburi Province. The event featured a grand parade with performers and more than 60 intelligent elephants, creating a spectacular and memorable experience for both Thai and international visitors.
A major highlight of the celebration was the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the elephant buffet, featuring a giant “Mala-style Hot Pot Fruit Buffet” measuring 4 meters wide and 3.5 meters high, filled with a variety of fruits prepared for the elephants. This unique display symbolized the abundance and dedicated care that Nongnooch Garden Pattaya provides for its elephants.
Thai Elephant Day, celebrated every year on March 13, was established to honor elephants, which have long been a symbolic and cultural icon of Thailand. Elephants have historically been closely associated with the Thai monarchy and once appeared as an important symbol on the national flag of Thailand.
The event was also attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Nattawut Anuyotha, Chief District Officer of Sattahip; Mr. Chaiwat Tamtai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Pattaya Office); Mr. Chawana Thongyen, Chonburi Provincial Livestock Officer; Mr. Pairoj Masang, Bang Lamung District Livestock Officer; and Mr. Arinchaiyaphon Chaipidet, Acting Head of the Livestock Strategy and Information Group and Sattahip District Livestock Officer.
Nongnooch Garden Pattaya has continuously organized Thai Elephant Day celebrations for more than 10 years, emphasizing elephant welfare, conservation, and public education about the important role elephants play in Thai society. These activities help promote Thailand’s cultural identity and attract visitors from around the world to experience the country’s unique heritage.
