A hundred couples made
their wedding vows extra special by reciting them on the backs of
elephants on Valentine’s Day at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Patcharapol Panrak
A hundred couples got their marriages off to bumpy starts when they took
their Valentine’s Day wedding vows on the backs of elephants at Nong
Nooch Tropical Garden.
Sattahip District Chief Phawat Lertmukda opened the Feb. 14 ceremony at
the Najomtien tourist attraction.
The registration officer prepared evidence and the equipment for
marriages while park spokesman Jiraprit Sodornphermphunlap and General
Manager Phattanan Khantisukphan outlined the day’s activities in front
of village heads and district officials who acted as witnesses.
Park Director Kampol Tansajja said this was the fifth
year Nong Nooch had offered Valentine’s Day elephant weddings to make a
difference on the day of love. In addition, Thais believe that getting
married and registering on an elephant’s back is a ceremony that will
bring prosperity to life, particularly, sitting on Noi, female elephant,
96, the oldest elephant at Nong Nooch.
The event also offered the newlyweds food, gifts, and free hotel stays
for couples, both gay and straight.
Transvestite Kharom Phrommala, 26, and lesbian Ekamneekan Pitwon, 21,
were one gay couple that exchanged vows. They said that while they are
mostly platonic friends, they have feelings of love and attachment and,
since they have not changed their genders, they can legally marry.
