AYUTTHAYA — In a remarkable display of Thai tradition and cultural heritage, twin elephants were united in a ceremonial wedding on November 7 at the Peniat Royal Elephant Village in Ayutthaya Province. The event, known as “Kachasan Sayomphon,” followed the belief that mixed-gender twins are destined partners from past lives.
The elephant twins, Plai Supphalak Sophon (male) and Pang Sakonlak Sophit (female), were honored in a procession featuring 99 couples who carried wedding offerings. The dowry, set at 4,444,499 baht (around $125,000), will support the twins’ lifelong care.
Presided over by MP Songrak Sermudomchai and sponsored by business leaders Thanyasak and Chattheeraya Kittirattanapaisan, the procession traveled under symbolic silver and gold arches, concluding with Buddhist blessings and merit-making rites.
The twins, born on June 7, 2024, to their mother, Chamchuri, mark a historical milestone as Thailand’s first recorded male-female elephant twins. The male calf was born first at 9:00 p.m., standing shortly after birth, while his sister arrived 18 minutes later. Their arrival was challenging, as Chamchuri’s protective behavior led to an injury for one mahout attempting to shield the newborns.
Laithongrearn Meephan, owner of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace, expressed pride at the rare occurrence. “This is a historic first for Thailand,” Meephan said, noting that past records only documented same-sex elephant twins. The twins’ parents, Plai Siam and Chamchuri, have now successfully birthed five calves over 27 years.
