Thailand’s famous bull elephant 'Baitong' has recently passed away peacefully. This elephant, known for having the longest tusks in the country, was beloved by the public. News of its death sparked mourning among mahouts and community residents in the northeastern region.
'Baitong' passed away on Sunday night at Bandaklong Village in Surin Province. Upon hearing the news, members of the local Kui elephant-raising community gathered to pay their respects.
'Baitong' was renowned for his majestic stature and long, slender tusks, each about 2.1 meters in length, and was considered one of the most representative elephants of Surin Province.
He was born in Bangkok on November 11, 1973, and his mother 'Mae Bue Ngien' is said to have lived to the remarkable age of 103 to 105 years.
Over the years, 'Baitong' gained national attention for his unique appearance and had been featured as the main figure in a famous liquor advertisement.
In recent years, he lived under the 'Let the Elephants Return Home and Develop Surin' program and passed away at the age of 53.
'Baitong' was also affectionately called 'Uncle Tong Bai' and cared for by female mahout Lunsalangun, while his older brother was his legal owner.
Currently, senior elephant handlers and traditional healers in the local area are discussing funeral arrangements, seeking to give this legendary elephant a proper burial.
The community has already held chanting ceremonies, with relatives and members of the Kui elephant-raising community coming together to pay their final respects to this most representative elephant of Thailand.
'Baitong' was renowned for his majestic stature and long, slender tusks, each about 2.1 meters in length, and was considered one of the most representative elephants of Surin Province.
He was born in Bangkok on November 11, 1973, and his mother 'Mae Bue Ngien' is said to have lived to the remarkable age of 103 to 105 years.
Over the years, 'Baitong' gained national attention for his unique appearance and had been featured as the main figure in a famous liquor advertisement.
In recent years, he lived under the 'Let the Elephants Return Home and Develop Surin' program and passed away at the age of 53.
'Baitong' was also affectionately called 'Uncle Tong Bai' and cared for by female mahout Lunsalangun, while his older brother was his legal owner.
Currently, senior elephant handlers and traditional healers in the local area are discussing funeral arrangements, seeking to give this legendary elephant a proper burial.
The community has already held chanting ceremonies, with relatives and members of the Kui elephant-raising community coming together to pay their final respects to this most representative elephant of Thailand.