Ceramic Elephant

DEA supports law enforcement around the world in a global effort to decrease illicit drug trafficking and misuse. Often, the agency receives gifts from international visitors that signify cooperation and feature meaningful cultural symbolism. This gift was presented to DEA “as a token of cordial friendship from Office of the Affairs under the Royal Initiatives of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Ministry of Justice, Thailand.” Princess Bajrakitiyabha, eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, holds a doctorate in law and served as an ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice from 2012 to 2014. Elephants are important symbols in Thai culture and represent both power and peace. This green ceramic pachyderm was originally nestled in a navy-blue box lined with a cream-colored silky fabric. The inside of its lid features the name “Narai Phand: Thailand,” a company jointly operated by the Thai Ministry of Industry and private entrepreneurs. Narai Phand manufactures authentic, quality Thai handicrafts under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) program, a government initiative designed to stimulate local economies throughout Thailand.