When King Bhumibol Adulyadej last week celebrated his 36th birthday a particularly significant anniversary to Thais, who measure life in twelve-year cycles traditionalists were saddened not to find a single royal elephant taking part in the elaborate ceremonies. In Thailand, as elsewhere in Asia, the once enormous importance of the elephant has declined drastically. While elephant ownership is still considered prestigious, a new Cadillac or Mercedes (the King owns several of each) now rates far higher as a status symbol than a mature, 15-year-old Elephas maximus with 40 years of rugged mileage ahead of him.
No Parking. Thailand...
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