webfact Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Myanmar turns down Thai request for white elephantThe NationBANGKOK: -- 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Chao Lao Beach Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkidlad Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 "Chiang Mai is home to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Surapong himself" Thaksin kept his return quiet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thai at Heart Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 That's it. We're doomed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbamboo Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 (edited) Rubbish! Why don't they just call Thai customs? They know people who do this sort of thing all the time. Edited June 20, 2013 by bigbamboo 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Siripon Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Go to chatuchack. I have a mate who ...... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoodMaiDai Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Myanmar is smart. I wouldn't loan the Thais may elephant either at the rate they are coming up dead here. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NongKhaiKid Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Maybe they're afraid of problems over unpaid import tax as elephants can be a mode of transport. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post soi41 Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 The ultimate loss of face!! "If the Thais want to see the elephant, they are welcome to Myanmar" 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan michaud Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 NO! It would be on the menu at the night safari. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thai at Heart Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 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? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan michaud Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 It says here Thailand has 10 of them already, why stress the poor animal out transporting it to Chaing Mai? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblether Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchybum Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
americaninbangkok Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mosha Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 The ultimate loss of face!! "If the Thais want to see the elephant, they are welcome to Myanmar" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
americaninbangkok Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Is the 65th anniversary the last anniversary of Thai-Myanmar diplomatic relations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeaverage Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasun Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 They couldn't fit it into the boot of a Bentley? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratcatcher Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Myanmar.... Thailand.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocN Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 How dare they???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post monkey4u Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 (edited) 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. Edited June 20, 2013 by metisdead Bold font removed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchybum Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 There was a war over a white one some time ago wasn't there ? Attention diversion perhaps. History repeats so they say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nowork114 Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Isn't this a reason to invade Hongsawadee again ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post itchybum Posted June 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2013 Can we have your white elephant...NO Can we buy your white elephant...NO Can we rent your white elephant...NO MUMMY....... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratcatcher Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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