 Royal Elephant National Museum, Dusit, Bangkok
The Royal Elephant National Museum is a building located within Dusit Palace. It is built on the site that was once the elephant stable of the palace, and provides the history and exhibit related to the royal white elephants. It was constructed under the reign of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) as the home of the royal sacred white elephant, which was conferred the title Phra Savet Udomvarn in 1906.
In 1911, during the reign of His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), another white elephant was given royal status, and was titled Phra Savet Vajiraphaha. It replaced Phra Savet Udomvarn at the royal stable.
His Majesty King Pok Klao (Rama VII) added an adjacent stable, to be home of another royal white elephant, titled Phra Savet Kotchadejdilok in 1927.
After the two white elephants had died, the stable was vacant until 1959, when His Majesty King Bhumibol (Rama IX) was presented a white elephant, which was conferred the title Phra Savet Adulyadejphahana, and was housed in the stable earlier occupied by Phra Savet Vajiraphaha. Later, while waiting for the new royal stable at Chitrlada Palace to be completed, the white elephant was moved to Dusit Zoo until 1966.
The royal elephant stable in Dusit Palace was vacant and fell into disrepair until 28 March, 1974, when the Royal Gazette announced that it would be registered as an ancient monument, on account of its significance to Thai cultural traditions associated with white elephants, and also for its architectural and historical value.
The Royal Elephant National Museum was established on 12 January 1988. It showcases the history of white elephants, and the characteristics of an elephant to be considered a "royal white". Although elephants were important during ancient times for warfare, the role of white elephants is entirely ceremonial. It is a living gem, presented to the king in honor of the monarch's prestige.
Getting there
The Royal Elephant National Museum is located within the Dusit Palace compound. As you enter from U-Thong Nai Road with Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall in front of you, turn right and go down the path to reach the museum.
Nearby Sights
Within Dusit Palace
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
King Rama V Equestrian Statue
Princess Arun-wadi Residential Hall
Royal Elephant National Museum
Suan Hong Residential Hall
SUPPORT Museum
Vimanmek Mansion
Outside Dusit Palace
Dusit Zoo (Khao Din)
Dusit Park
Chitrlada Palace
SUPPORT Museum
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Indrawihan
Thewet Flower Market
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Royal Elephant National Museum (27 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Location Map of Dusit Palace in Bangkok
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