Thai culture and elephants have been intertwined for centuries. During wartime, jumbos were part of the army. According to historical records, monarchs would ride elephants in duels against enemy kings.
The role of elephants did not end on the battlefield. In peacetime, these pachyderms have served as vehicles and transporters, moving farm products or even hauling logs from deep inside forests. More recently they have helped the country by being a major magnet for tourists.
Thai authorities respect and regard elephants, the country's symbolic animal, highly. So much so the cabinet in 1998 set aside March 13 each year as national "Elephant Day".
