In the past, there were elephants in almost every province in Thailand. In the places with an abundance of food, there will be herds composing about 30 - 50 elephants. The leader of a herd is usually the strongest elephant to defend and provide for the family by leading the search for fodder, water and shelter. Usually Chang Si Daw or male elephants without tusk will be the leader because of its big body and being stronger than male elephants with tusk. If there is no Chang Si Daw in the herd, the strongest male elephant with tusk will be the leader instead. When the herd is relaxing or eating, the leader and the elephants with tusk will stay in another place close to the herd. General speaking, the leader tries to prevent all dangers outside the herd. But some say that the leader always knows that other elephants in the herd are afraid of being close to them. And some say that the leader protects itself from ivory hunting. The hunters can see the herd easily. That's why the leader has to stay alone.

Lonesome elephant called "Chang Tone" may be chased from the herd because of misbehavior. Chang Tone is always ferocious. Normally, elephants will stay in the herd by respecting seniority. In a food shortage, the aged elephant can chase the teen - age elephants away and scramble for food. That's why teen - age elephants leave the herd.

Generally speaking, elephant is a good swimmer when the weather is very hot and dry, elephant will use its trunk to suck some water from its stomach. Then it will sprinkle water to its shoulder, back, neck or head for making its skin wet. The working elephants drink 60 gallons of water per day. Usually elephants can load things only 100 kilograms a time. Walking speed is approximately 4 kilometers / hour. Running speed is about 30 - 40 kilometers / hour.