From the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) to the National Elephant Institute.

On January 13, 2002, Princess Galyani of Thailand visited the TECC. Mr. Chanatt Laohawatana, FIO Director, had proposed to rename the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre as the National Elephant Institute, to enlarge the scope of Thai elephant conservation and relieve the problems faced by the elephants. The main objective in establishing the new National Elephant Institute is to develop elephant conservation in a sustainable way and preserve the local traditions, in cluding local wisdom and knowledge, for the next generation. Apart from the above, the National Elephant Institute also aims to improve the tourism business, in which elephants are heavily involved, for the benefit of both elephants and tourists. Permission was requested from Her Royal Highness to place the National Elephant Institute under her patronage, and she graciously anointed the foundation stone for the National Elephant Institute as well.

Later, on February 22, 2002, the princess's secretary sent a letter, informing the FIO that Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani had accepted the National Elephant Institute under her patronage, a blessing for the National Elephant Institute's future prosperity.

The National Elephant Institute is an offshoot of the TECC, which aims to play a bigger role in solving problems concerning elephants, to manage solutions and coordinate the efforts of government and private concerns, and to establish unity in addressing problems to enable elephants, the symbol of Thailand, to remain with us into the future.