Pink elephants march for Thailand’s late queen mother

AFP | Bangkok

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Eleven pink painted elephants marched through Bangkok yesterday, bowing in unison outside the Grand Palace in a lumbering tribute to the late queen mother.

Sirikit, the mother of current King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the longest-reigning Thai monarch, died in October at the age of 93.

The royal family holds revered status in Thai society, with their portraits hung in homes, offices and public spaces. Sirikit is lying in state for an elaborate year-long funeral ceremony.

Laithongrian Meepan, owner of the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Ayutthaya province, organised the procession of pastel pachyderms -- daubed in paint to mimic albino elephants considered auspicious.

Inspired by Sirikit’s love for the large mammals, Laithongrian said he has dedicated three decades to their care, and more than 100 royal elephants had been selectively bred under her guidance.

“Her Majesty granted me an audience and gave me advice on raising elephants,” he said. “We have brought the baby elephants to show Her Majesty that they obey orders.”

Since Sirikit’s death, the government has declared a year-long mourning period for officials and urged the public to wear mourning colours of black or white for 90 days.