Myanmar turns down Thai request for white elephant
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Myanmar has turned down Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul's plan to borrow a white elephant from Nay Pyi Taw to display in Chiang Mai zoo. A polite reply from the Myanmar government stated that it would be too difficult to transport the rare albino pachyderm to Thailand.

Surapong made the request to his Myanmar counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin during a meeting in Bali last week. The request was to hire a white elephant for at least six months on a rental basis to mark the 65th anniversary of Thailand-Myanmar diplomatic relations.

Surapong said earlier that an "auspicious" white elephant might play the symbolic role of a goodwill ambassador, following in the footsteps of China’s "panda ambassador" Lin Ping. The elephant could be displayed in Chiang Mai Zoo for six months, he said.

Chiang Mai is home to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Surapong himself.

Wunna Maung Lwin told Surapong that it would be difficult to transport the white elephant to Chiang Mai, according to state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar.

"But it might be convenient for the public to observe the white elephant in Myanmar if special flights are arranged," the Myanmar minister was quoted as saying.

"That would also assist Myanmar's tourism industry in addition to furthering the relationship between our two peoples."

Both Thailand and Myanmar believe that a white elephant is a symbol of fortune, charisma and power of the king. The kingdoms of Burma and Siam once waged war against each other over a white elephant during the Ayutthaya period.

Myanmar, which is no longer a kingdom, discovered many white elephants while Than Shwe was head of the military junta. Myanmar how has eight of the animals kept in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, while Thailand has 10.

Unlike many of Myanmar's white elephants, most of those in Thailand are not albinos, but have pale skin and other characteristics, such as fair eyelashes and toenails.

Many Thais also believe that white elephants are born to serve the King and should therefore not be on show in a zoo.


-- The Nation 2013-06-20

This is proof that the stupid craze for Thai white skin goes way back.

Now they will have to apply whitening cream to Thai elephants.

"Chiang Mai is home to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Surapong himself"

Thaksin kept his return quiet.

That's it.

We're doomed.

Rubbish!

Why don't they just call Thai customs? They know people who do this sort of thing all the time.

There are plenty of white elephants in Thailand already- just look at the Hopewell\Hopeless project 'running' above the railway line in Bangkok.

Thailand's own Stonehenge, built in honour of corruption.

An extraordinary contract with no penalty for missing construction deadlines included! Well done Mr Montree, now sadly deceased.

Go to chatuchack. I have a mate who ......

Myanmar is smart. I wouldn't loan the Thais may elephant either at the rate they are coming up dead here.

Surapong should never have made his requests public, he was trying to look like a smart ass in front of everyone and now it has led to an awkward if not embarrasing rebuttal from Myanmar. This is what happens when you put non diplomats in diplomatic positions.

Maybe they're afraid of problems over unpaid import tax as elephants can be a mode of transport.

The ultimate loss of face!! "If the Thais want to see the elephant, they are welcome to Myanmar"

NO!

It would be on the menu at the night safari.

Maybe they're afraid of problems over unpaid import tax as elephants can be a mode of transport.

Don't worry, it is rated on engine size. I wonder if they bring the tusks in separately from the main elephant, this counts as a reassembled elephant?

It says here Thailand has 10 of them already, why stress the poor animal out transporting it to Chaing Mai?

Why did he think that 65 years was a big deal anyway? Who cares.

He was just trying to show off and got a boot in the balls.

It says here Thailand has 10 of them already, why stress the poor animal out transporting it to Chaing Mai?

Thai ones are a copy.

Lwin knew all along that if he ever gave up the elephant, Surapong would never return it.

Surapong got outfoxed by Lwin... over an elephant! What a shmuck!

The ultimate loss of face!! "If the Thais want to see the elephant, they are welcome to Myanmar"

Is the 65th anniversary the last anniversary of Thai-Myanmar diplomatic relations?

It says here Thailand has 10 of them already, why stress the poor animal out transporting it to Chaing Mai?

isn't that the ultimate question.

why would anyone request a pachyderm that would need reassembling once in the country?

They couldn't fit it into the boot of a Bentley?

Myanmar....

Thailand....

How dare they????

Guess the zoo and its hi so backers wont be making any extra cash from tickets to see the elephant.

If they put TS in a cage I would be happy to pay to see it.

There was a war over a white one some time ago wasn't there ?

Attention diversion perhaps.

History repeats so they say.

Isn't this a reason to invade Hongsawadee again ???

Wouldn't it be feasible to ask if it's possible before publicly announcing the plan?

Obviously he's not accustomed to people saying no.

Can we have your white elephant...NO

Can we buy your white elephant...NO

Can we rent your white elephant...NO

MUMMY.......

This is proof that the stupid craze for Thai white skin goes way back.

Now they will have to apply whitening cream to Thai elephants.

Compared to the two little pinkies in the tub, the Thai elephant looks a bit whiter.

This is proof that the stupid craze for Thai white skin goes way back.

Now they will have to apply whitening cream to Thai elephants.

Compared to the two little pinkies in the tub, the Thai elephant looks a bit whiter.

Pinkies.jpg

Could be grey and covered in head to toe in baby powder.