Ambassador and staff of the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm, visited Thai elephants at Kolmården.

On 14 August 2024, Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, together with staff of the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm, visited 3 Thai elephants, Tonsak, Bua and Saonoi at Kolmården. The Ambassador was warmly greeted by Ms. Cecilia Håkanson, Manager for the animal department and her team.

In 2004, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great gifted two female elephants, Bua and Saonoi, to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf as a symbol of friendship between Thailand and Sweden. Tonsak, a male elephant gifted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great to her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, was transferred from Cophenhagen zoo to Kolmården in 2015.

Tonsak (26), Bua (27) and Saonoi (28) are very healthy, witty, smart and can understand easy command from the instructors. Their daily routine starts with health check-up and light exercise after breakfast. In the afternoon, they will attend an information session which the staff of Kolmården will explain to the public how they look after the elephants at the zoo.

Ambassador Arunrung expressed her appreciation to the staff of the Kolmården for having continuously looked after the three elephants very well. The elephants are regarded as one of the symbols that demonstrate great relations between Thailand and Sweden. Apart from the discussion with the zoo team, the Embassy staff was shown the elephants’ beds and sheds which were equipped with heater during winter time.

Tonsak, Bua and Saonoi are well-liked by the Swedish people and definitely highlights and attractions at Kolmården! Anyone who’s interested in seeing these cute elephants, please visit the Kolmården (SE-618 92 Kolmården).