Thailand is stepping up efforts to bring home two of its elephants from Sri Lanka after growing concerns about their age, health, and welfare. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin announced that he will personally lead a delegation to Sri Lanka in early November to assess the elephants’ condition and discuss their possible repatriation.
The two elephants — Plai Pratu Pha, 51, and Plai Srinarong, 29 — were originally sent to Sri Lanka decades ago as symbols of friendship between the two nations. Plai Pratu Pha, also known locally as Thai Raja, was gifted to the Suduhumpola Temple in Kandy in 1980, while Plai Srinarong, or Kandula, was sent to Kelaniya Temple in Ratnapura in 2001. The two are now about 105 kilometers apart.
According to Thai officials, the upcoming mission will include a team of veterinarians, wildlife experts, and senior representatives from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Their goal is to ensure the elephants are in stable condition and to engage in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities, temples, and conservation groups about their future welfare.
Building on Past Success
Thailand previously succeeded in bringing back Plai Sak Surin (Muthu Raja) from Sri Lanka in 2023 after reports of his deteriorating health drew international concern. Following rehabilitation in Lampang, Plai Sak Surin recovered well under the care of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Officials say that model of health assessment and diplomatic negotiation will guide the current mission.
A Shared Responsibility
Animal welfare advocates in both Thailand and Sri Lanka have welcomed the move. Sri Lanka’s leading animal rights organisation, RARE Sri Lanka, has been among those calling for improved conditions and dignified retirement for ageing elephants, including Plai Pratu Pha.
In a recent statement, RARE Sri Lanka said:
“We do not take a position on which country he should retire in — whether in Sri Lanka or Thailand — as long as his retirement environment meets international standards for aged-elephant welfare. The decision must rest with both governments through mutual negotiation, guided by expert veterinary and welfare assessments.”
The group emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation to ensure that both elephants receive proper veterinary care and humane retirement, free from heavy labor and ceremonial work.
Thailand’s Commitment to Elephant Welfare
From 1980 to 2016, Thailand sent around 20 elephants abroad as goodwill ambassadors to countries including Sri Lanka, Denmark, Japan, Sweden, and Australia. However, Thai authorities have since ended the practice of gifting elephants, shifting focus toward responsible wildlife diplomacy and stricter animal welfare standards.
Officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have reiterated that Thailand’s priority is the well-being and long-term care of its elephants, particularly those approaching retirement age.