History
Changton National Museum, as the Royal Elephant National Museum locate in Dusit Palace area, U-Thong Nai Road. Indoor exhibits include the presentation of a story related to the The Royal Elephant that refer to the important elephants which have been enrolled into the Royal Elephant of the king cause in Thailand and Asia Southeast considered auspicious Elephant with special features will bring great glory to the land. Result in country is rich in cereals and foodstuffs, citizens will have peace. So a couple animals criticizes the monarch. Location History was the Royal Elephant Hospital in Dusit Palace that His Majesty King Chulalongorn had graciously to build the the Royal Elephant conferred to Phra Swet Udomwarn after the ceremonies to lived between 1906 to falling in 1906
In the reign of King Rama VI had White elephant to glory which Phraya Phetpilai Sriswadhi caught to offering So ordered the royal ceremonies classified at Royal County at Migsagawan garden, conferred name that Phra Swet Vajirapaha raciously pleased gave living in this the Royal Elephant Hospital and falling in 1945.
In the reign of King Rama VII had White elephant to glory, had graciously pleased classified for royal ceremonies , conferred name that Phra Swet Kachadech Dilok, thus built one hospital to be with Phra Swet Vajirapaha’s hospital. When Phra Swet Kachadech Dilok was falling, both of hospital was vacant till the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In 1959 there was white elephant to glory. So he graciously pleased the restored the Royal Elephant Hospital that Phra Swet Vajirapaha lived to temporarily place for Royal ceremonies of first white elephant in his reign, conferred name that Phra Swet Adulyadech Paha. Then he graciously pleased to build up the Royal Elephant Hospital in Private Chitralada Palace So that The Royal Elephant Hospital in the palace grounds, near the residence. During the construction of the Royal Elephant hospital, that temporally take Phra Swet Adulyadech Paha to Kao Din Wana Zoo, so finish buiding that take to Private Chitralada Palace. The Royal Elephant Hospital in Dusit Palace dilapidated down with time.
Due to Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall as a Parliament since 1932 dating to 1974. When governor built new parliament building behind Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Parliament saw that the building of Royal Elephant Hospital was dilapidated, therefore seek approval from the Bureau of Royal Palace to dismantle the building out of parliament area. The Bureau of Royal Palace jointly consult with the Department of Fine Arts considers that the Royal Elephant Hospital was national heritage. Especially building has architectural significance, history, culture and tradition about white elephant which remains the only one in Thailand. Therefore process of obtaining a conservation treatment of historical evidence. and customary, announces registered historic places on March 28, 1974.
Education Ministry declared as the National Museum by name “Changton National Museum.” In 1992, Open to visit unofficially on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was attained the age of 60 years.
The building of Royal Elephant was Thai architecture, masonsy and cement. Thai building wide 12.50 meters, long 15 meters, there are gateways on the front and rear, small doors for elephant caretaker, 17 windows around building. In the building has Ben Phard platform for standing of elephant. The appearance of Ben Phard platform include with 2 Talung poles , the top of pole has shaped ornamental knob and a small round pole across between 2 Talung poles. Each Talung pole was buried half of the stem length cause wanted to resist the strength of elephant. Talung pole at side of elephant head was higher than the side of rear. The distance between the poles was depending on the length of an elephant torso. The elephant head can turn to any direction except the south-west, which is considered inauspicious. Across of all Talung poles had Mor pole for tethering leg and Mor pole outside the platform for tie back leg when stand on Ben Phard platform, the roof of Ben Phard platform was hanged the rectangle 5 layers tiered made from white cloth painted gold talisman, decorated with 2 layers cloth in gold trimmed. There are the leaves believed that can prevent disaster as Leab leaves, Ngern leaves, Thong leaves, Pan-Ngu leaves, Ruk leaves, Maduor leaves, Utumporn leaves, Mango leaves, Thong Guaw leaves, Thakob leaves and Mathoom leaves.
