Chang Thai Day วันช้างไทย at Sway

A symbol of strength, durability and longevity, Chang Thai Day honors Thailand’s most sacred animal with a focus on the protection and conservation of endangered elephants. Long revered, the elephant is the national symbol of royalty in Thailand and occupies a significant position in Buddhism. According to legend, a white elephant stood at the conception of Buddha.

Since the 1900’s, the wild elephant population in Thailand has decreased from nearly 100,000 to less than 2,000 remaining free. The steep decline is attributed to the tourism industry, loss of habitat and overhunting for ivory. In 1976, the Endangered Species Act officially classified the Thai elephant as an endangered animal.

Each Sway location is honoring Chang Thai Day on 3/13 with themed cocktails and commemorative t-shirts for sale, with proceeds benefiting Thailand’s Save Elephant Foundation. The Save Elephant Foundation is a non–profit organization providing rescue and rehabilitation to Thailand’s captive elephant population.