AYUTHAYA, 8 November 2016 (NNT) – A parade of elephants and mahouts from Ayuthaya province have paid their respects to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Arriving from Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal, a total 11 elephants and 200 of their handlers made their way to the Grand Palace in Bangkok to pay tribute to His Majesty the late King.

Owner of Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal Laithongrien Meephan, who organized the parade, revealed that the elephants carried a royal image of the late King during their journey. At the Grand Palace, the mahouts observed a moment of silence before having their elephants bow in tribute to His Majesty. The mahouts were joined by citizens in the area in singing the Royal Anthem.

Laithongrien remarked that Thailand’s elephant mahout community is indebted to His Majesty the late King due to his care for them and his initiation of laws to protect the Kingdom’s elephants from exploitation.

He said that despite the atmosphere of sadness and grief, all who took part in the parade also felt a sense of pride. The journey from Ayuthaya with the elephants took a total 12 days to complete.