A white elephant is a rare kind of elephant, but not a distinct species. Although often depicted as snow white, their skin is typically a soft reddish-brown, turning a light pink when wet. They have fair eyelashes and toenails. The traditional "white elephant" is commonly misunderstood as being albino, but the Thai term, chang samkhan, actually translates as 'auspicious elephant', being "white" in terms of an aspect of purity.

The monarchy of Thailand is the constitutional form of government of the Thailand. The king of Thailand is the head of state and head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri.