Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand

วันที่นำเข้าข้อมูล 17 Jan 2026

วันที่ปรับปรุงข้อมูล 17 Jan 2026

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On 15 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a discussion with H.E. Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand, to raise the issue of the wellbeing of the two Thai elephants in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of the Thai elephants as a symbol of long-standing friendship between the two countries and requested the Sri Lankan side to attach due importance to the welfare of the two Thai elephants in Sri Lanka, as this is a matter of great interest for the Thai public. He also emphasized that animal welfare is a critical issue to the international community. The Foreign Minister proposed the retirement of Phlai Pratoopha and the limitation of the scope of the duties of Phlai Srinarong in accordance with the initial purpose of sending the Thai elephants as a gift of friendship.

Both sides agreed with the initiative to have an MoU safeguarding the welfare of the two Thai elephants in accordance with international standards, including establishing a cooperation mechanism between relevant agencies of both countries to ensure the welfare of the Thai elephants, and a joint inspection of the elephants’ health by specialists and veterinarians in order to provide factual reporting to the public. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka informed the Foreign Minister of the Sri Lanka’s plans to retire Phlai Pratoopha after the annual Esala Perahera procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic ceremony in 2027. She also reaffirmed that the two Thai elephants are regarded as sacred animals in Sri Lanka and that the people of Sri Lanka hold them in high esteem.

The Foreign Minister also expressed condolences on the severe flood in Sri Lanka in December 2025.

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