For the first time in its 13-year history, the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament will move from its original home of Hua Hin to the Siam Polo Park at VR Sports Club on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Organised by Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas, the tournament, which runs from Aug 27-31, will feature 16 teams from around the world and a total of 50 elephants taking part.
The five-day competition will feature activities for all, including an educational exhibition about elephants, games for kids, a mysterious devil show and live music by Mahidol String Quartet, Chai & The Blues Maniacs, Nontiya Jewbangpa and several other live bands.
The highlight, however, will be a showcase of 10 resin elephants (each 1.5m high) brightly hand painted and decorated by 10 local and international artists including Paul Smith, Narin Kantawong and Watchina Srichan.
This will give attendees a taste of next year's "Elephant Parade", which will see dozens of beautifully painted resin jumbos on display in the city.
Another highlight of the tournament will be a silent auction of smaller elephant figurines, which have been painted and decorated by about 20 top celebrities, each of whom has brought new life and unique characteristics to a white elephant.
Celebrities that have taken part this year include Vuthithorn and Varayuth Milintachinda, Cindy Bishop, Chollada Mekratri, Chanokwanan Rakcheep, Tanya Engtrakul and more.
The silent auction begins at 10am on Aug 28 and runs until 2pm on Aug 31. Some of the creations, however, will be reserved for bidding among other luxurious items at an auction during a gala dinner at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, on Aug 29 at 7.30pm.
Proceeds from the auctions will go to the Asian Elephant Foundation and Golden Triangle Asian
Elephant Foundation.
There is no admission fee for the 13th King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament.
For more information, visit www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.
