Phaniat
(Elephant kraal)
The Phaniat or elephant kraal (stockande)
is situated north of the city. In the past, wild elephants
would be trained here to become war or transport animals.
It is thought that in the
Ayutthaya period the kraal was
inside the city wall, but this one built later and was in
use up to Bangkok period. In the middle of the kraal there
is a shire where the elephant guardian is supposed to
reside. Posts made of whole timbers form the fence where
elephants were tied up during the training. An elephant
round-up was demonstrated here in 1890, during the reign
of King Rama V, for the benefit of the Tsarevitch, who
later became King Nicolas ll of Russia, during his visit
to Siam.
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