In Surin, mahouts are deeply saddened as "Phlay Thongbai" has passed away peacefully, ending the legacy of the elephant with the most beautiful and longest tusks in Thailand. He was famous for appearing in advertisements for well-known products, and burial arrangements are being prepared.
At 2:00 p.m. on 10 May 2026, reporters learned that at Ban Ta Klang, Krapho Subdistrict, Tha Tum District, Surin Province, the elephant handlers, known as Kuay Arjiang, were in tears upon hearing the news that "Phlay Thongbai" had died peacefully.
Phlay Thongbai was a famous male elephant with the most beautiful and longest tusks in Thailand, measuring about 2.10 meters. He was considered one of the top elephants in Surin Province, noted for his majestic stature and splendid twin tusks. Born on 11 November 1973 in Bangkok, he was the son of Phang Bua Ngern (or Phang Ngern). He gained fame as the lead in a Chang Beer commercial. At the time of his passing, he was 53 years old and part of the "Bring Elephants Home to Develop Surin" project.
Phlay Thongbai, also called "Phor Yai Thongbai," was closely cared for by his mahout and owner, Phor Lun Salangam. The true owner was Phor Lun's older brother. Burial plans are currently being discussed with a senior monk and an elephant veterinarian.
Previously, on the evening of 28 April 2026, a severe storm struck, causing a giant Phaya Satabun tree, over 10 meters tall, to fall and damage the twin elephant statue monument at the monument of Phraya Surintharapakdi Sri Narong Changwang (Pum). The statue of the male elephant with the spotted side was pierced, and the tusked male elephant statue was broken. Many believed this incident might have been an ominous sign preceding this event.