Surin: The legend of "Phlai Thongbai," the elephant with the longest tusks in Thailand, has come to an end. At 53 years old, his death was foreshadowed by a storm that toppled a large banyan tree, crushing a statue of two elephants. At Ban Taklang, Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Tha Tum, Surin Province, the Kui Achiang people, or elephant keepers, shed tears upon hearing the peaceful passing of "Phlai Thongbai."
According to Thai News Agency, "Phlai Thongbai" was a famous bull elephant known for having the longest and most beautiful tusks in Thailand, measuring approximately 2.10 meters. He was considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing elephants in Surin province, possessing a tall, majestic appearance and a pair of exquisite tusks. Born on November 11, 1973, in Bangkok, Phlai Thongbai was the son of Phang Buangern, who gained fame as the star of a Chang Beer advertisement. At the time of his passing, he was part of the "Returning Elephants to Their Homeland for the Development of Surin" project. He was closely cared for by his mahout, Pho Lun Salangam, although his true owner was Pho Lun's older brother.
The burial ceremony for Phlai Thongbai is currently under discussion with the head monk and elephant shaman to ensure it is conducted with the utmost respect.
Reporters reported an ominous sign on April 28, 2026, at 5:08 PM, when a summer storm struck, causing a more than 10-meter-tall Pterocarpus indicus tree (or Alstonia scholaris) to fall and damage the pair of elephant statues at the Phraya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang (Pum) monument. The statues of the two male elephants had holes in their sides and broken tusks, which some believe may have been an omen.