Special ceremony for baby elephant in Pattaya
PATTAYA’S Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden’s elephant population increased to 65 with the birth of a baby elephant before Songkran and the new member has been given the auspicious name “Phangcha Napthong,” Thai News Agency said today (April 20).
Kamphol Tansacha, director of the garden and tourist attraction, had invited Phra Kasem Kittisophon, or Archarn Joy, the abbot of Wat Samakkhi Banphot temple to perform a religious ceremony and anoint the forehead of the new-born elephant and sprinkle holy water over it.
Mr Kamphol added that the garden’s 65th elephant and was born on April 10 with its mother being Phang Thubthip, 13, father Phlai Mai Mueang, 16.
The baby elephant’s name, Phangcha Napthong, is that of a yellow flower which will be used to decorate the funeral ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Both mother and baby elephant are in good health but have to be carefully watched right now and a team of veterinarians have been brought in to take care of them. Tourists will meet the baby elephant once its a bit bigger.
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Top: New-born baby elephant being blessed. Photo: Thai News Agency
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