Thai Deputy PM Meets Sri Lankan Ambassador Over Aging Elephants’ Care
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin met with H.E. Mrs. Edirisinghe Arachchilage Sriyani Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand, to discuss a cooperative plan for the welfare of two Thai elephants — Plai Pratu Pha and Plai Srinarong — currently living in Sri Lanka.
The meeting followed instructions from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who assigned the Deputy Prime Minister to work with all related agencies to ensure proper care for the elephants. Both animals, now elderly and facing growing health issues, require immediate medical and welfare support. Plai Pratu Pha, 51, has resided at Suduhumpola Temple in Kandy since 1980, while Plai Srinarong, 29, has stayed at Kelaniya Temple in Ratnapura since 2001.
Suchart highlighted that the two elephants have served for decades as symbols of goodwill, strengthening cultural and religious ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Their long service in Buddhist traditions represents the deep friendship, cultural connection, and shared heritage of both nations. He stressed that all future decisions must respect these close relations, the elephants’ age-related needs, and the sentiments of people in both countries who hold them dear.
He added that Thailand hopes to bring both elephants back home so they may spend their remaining years comfortably in their birthplace, after offering years of meaningful service abroad. Suchart also expressed the Thai government’s intention to pay a courtesy visit to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo to discuss future steps. Coordination will be handled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo.
The Deputy Prime Minister further noted that elephants carry deep symbolic value in both countries — as national icons in Thailand and sacred animals in Sri Lankan Buddhism — reflecting shared spiritual and cultural bonds. He also confirmed Thailand’s support for Sri Lanka’s plan to promote youth engagement in environmental and climate activities at the upcoming UNEA-7 in Nairobi, saying he will forward the proposal to the Cabinet as it aligns with Thailand’s emphasis on inclusive, youth-centered participation.
