Thailand Gifts Elephants to Israel, 72-Year Bond Thrives

Four female elephants arrived in Jerusalem in 1994 as living symbols of friendship, and today they continue strengthening ties between two nations an ocean apart.

Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu recently led a special group to Jerusalem's Tisch Family Zoological Gardens to visit the elephants gifted by Thailand's King following a personal request from late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. "The Thai elephant is very important. They are in the heart of the Thai people," Vichienpuntu told The Jerusalem Post.

The zoo's elephant keepers speak to the animals in Thai, giving them a connection to their homeland. Thai officials visit regularly to ensure the elephants receive excellent care, treating them as beloved ambassadors of their country.

The relationship between Thailand and Israel extends far beyond symbolic gestures. The two nations collaborate on agriculture, with Thailand implementing Israeli irrigation technology across their farms. Next week, the Weizmann Institute's vice president will travel to Thailand to discuss quantum AI technologies.

The Ripple Effect

This friendship touches countless lives in practical ways. Thailand ranks as the most visited destination for Israeli travelers, while about 65,000 Thai people live and work in Israel. This year marks a milestone: the Thai Festival will debut in Israel for the first time, joining only London, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin as host cities worldwide.

"Thailand is now selling our soft power," Vichienpuntu explained. "You like Thai food, Thai massage, Muay Thai, everything. This is soft power."

The bond proved its depth during difficult times. When 42 Thai workers were murdered during the October 7 attacks, Thailand shared in Israel's grief. Yet this tragedy only reinforced their commitment to each other.

Vichienpuntu sees the relationship built on twin pillars: personal love and economic cooperation. Israeli society embraces Thailand for its legendary hospitality, while Thailand eagerly partners with Israel on technology, innovation, and agriculture.

The elephants continue watching over this friendship from their Jerusalem home, gentle giants representing three decades of cooperation and goodwill between two distant nations choosing to stand together.