Ayutthaya: The Fine Arts Department (FAD) has issued an order to relocate the famous Elephant Kraal of Ayutthaya, as it comes under increasing pressure to clean up the historical precinct that has been listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco.
Provincial governor Sujin Chaichumsak confirmed the relocation order has been issued, and said the plot on which famed kraal stood for more than two centuries must be cleared within 30 days.
Sarisa Jindawong, the director of Fine Arts Office 3, said the office has been asked to find a company to manage the precinct, after it received a complaint from Unesco over the neglect of certain areas within the heritage site.
As a part of the government's clean-up bid, vendors which used to set up shop near the popular Wat Mongkol Borpit have vacated their stalls. The success has spurred the government to expand its attempt to clean-up the precinct to the kraal.
Despite the eviction notice, Ms Sarisa said that the office is "open to talks" with the kraal's owner to discuss ways to solve the issue.
The kraal's owner has the right to appeal the eviction order, because the precinct belongs to the Treasury, but with the FAD as its proxy to manage the day-to-day operations at the precinct.
The FAD was given the task to manage the area, as it has the know-how to deal with preserving historical sites, said Ms Sarisa.
Meanwhile, Laithongrien Meephan, the owner of the Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal and president of the Thai Elephant Conservation Club, said a 30-day notice leaves his kraal with "too little to time" to pack up and move out the elephants and equipment.
"This historic kraal and its elephants have brought more than just fame to the province," he said.
"Is this how they should be treated?"