In the past elephants were used as a war force in a similar way to how tanks are used today in that they were a powerful method of breaking through enemy lines. Elephants from opposing sides would tackle each other competing for the best position for the rider to gain the upper hand against his opponent. Various weapons were used in combat including spears, lances, swords and occasionally guns; all suitable for use on elephant back.

After only six months of King Mahajakgapat's reign in 1548 , it seemed to King Tabengchaweitii of Burma that his own elephants were superior. His first move was to invade Kanchanaburi and Suphanburi. He was victorious. From here, another king from the Burmese army (King Chawblaer ) ventured closer to Ayuthaya. Burma waited for an ideal time to attack Ayuthaya. It had recently appointments a new king and their was cavil unrest. The King of Ayuthaya was at that time surveying the situation outside the city walls.

The Burmese King spotted his opponent, and prepared to attack from his elephant. King Mahajakgapat wife Queen Suriyothai ( of Ayuthaya ) feared for her husband's life, therefore she disguised herself as a warrior and mounted an elephant.

She then thrust herself between the 2 kings, hence sacrificing her life for her husband .Her sons (Prince Ramesuan and Prince Mahintarah ) appeared at the scene too late and found their dead mother. They returned her body to the city and everyone praised her bravery and looked upon her as a heroine. If you visit Thailand it is worth visiting the temple that the king built to honor his wife - who died for her husband - a true love story.

 

In 1579 the King Naresuan fought the Burmese Crown Prince in Suphanburi province. King Naresuan slashed the chest of the Burmese Crown Prince with a war scythe and the Crown Prince died. The elephants used in the war: Chao PhrayaChaiyanuphab's King Narasuan elephant and Phatagao 's the Burmese Crown Prince. For more information on elephants used in war read Shoshani et al Elephants:Majestic creatures of the wild (see the Elephant Donation reading list for more details).