Urban Legends from Thailand

Naresuan’s Elephant Battle

The times when Thailand was known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, during this time Thailand had the most legendery battle in Thai History, this happened when King Naresuan reigning the country.

The King called out Burmese Crown Prince Mingya Swa to face him in single combat, he accepted this, and King Naresuan killed his opponent

Today elephant riding is hugely criticised.


*Elephant duel itself is actually a subject of historical debate. It only appears in the Thai chronicles, Burmese chronicles state that the Uparaja (crown prince) was killed by a gunshot. The duel features heavily in traditional Thai historiography.*