Elephant Kraal, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya

Elephant Kraal, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal were built in the reign of King Maha Chakrapat and was located on the west bank of the old Lopburi River. The kraal are square-shaped enclosure with double walls. The inner walls consists of 226 stout posts fixed firmly to the ground at close intervals, leaving two openings: one for the decoy elephant to lure in the wild with elephant herd, and one to allow the captured elephant to be led out. The outer walls are earthern ramparts between brick facing and are 3 meters high and 5.3 meters wide. There was a shrine on ceremonial ground for conducting related ceremonies before the elephant were led into the kraal. A raised platform is located on the west side of the outer wall for the king could watch the elephant roundup. There used to be a wooden pavilion here for the royal party. During Bangkok period, the elephant roundup have been staged three times as entertainment for the royal visitors, twice in the reign of King Rama V to entertain Duke John Albert of Germany in 1883 A.D. and Nicolas II of Russia in 1891 A.D. and the third time H.M. King Bhumibol entertained the King and the Queen of Denmark in 1962 A.D. In the old day, elephant was very important in Ayutthaya period since it was export goods, transport vehicle and war animal. White elephant was believed to be an auspicious animal which could enhance the king’s glory. The Ayutthaya kings always presided over the elephant selection ceremony since it was a process of selecting elephants for official use and also an entertainment.