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Published on February 23, 2008

The 2008 edition will take place from March 31 to April 6 in the northern-most region of the country known as the Golden Triangle.

This popular event, ranked the sixth-largest event on the Thai tourism calendar's "Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand", was introduced in 2001 and is a charitable event that raises money for the country's National Elephant Institute in Lampang.

Through its own Elephant Camp located within the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, the property focuses on the future of Thailand's pachyderm population and forms an integral part of the resort's operations.

To date, the tournament has raised over US$175,000 for the National Elephant Institute.

It is estimated that Thailand has around 2,500 domesticated elephants and 1,500 wild elephants.

This is down from around 50,000 in 1950 and 100,000 in 1900.

The Thailand King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament was first launched in Hua Hin by Anantara Resorts.

In 2006, the tournament moved to the Golden Triangle and was hosted by Anantara Resort Golden Triangle.

Elephants are a key symbol of Thailand's history, and nothing but utmost respect is given to the pachyderms and all proceeds from the tournament are used to ensuring their welfare, sustenance, and medical treatment.

This year's episode will welcome 12 international teams to the most stunning of settings, just yards away from the Mekong River which flows from the Himalayas to the South China Sea.

The Nation