Chang Pla (Elephant fish) Hotel on the Mekong River

[The pointy helmet]

Found in a large tank at in a hotel we stopped at, Northern Thailand.

There is a ceremony on April 1st, a few days before the Thai new year, where anyone who has caught one of these incredibly rare fish receives 10,000 Thai Baht, around £15.
The monks then release the fish back into the great Mekong River. To great celebration.

Like the other largest fresh water fish, The fresh water Dolphin. They have become practically extinct.
Due to the Chinese damming the lower reaches of the Mekong, for their insatiable need for hydro electric power.

You think they sell big chips in Chinese take aways?
See them here!

I'll see if I can get any better photos, this April 1st.

[tazet]

Strange!

[Dicky]

Tazet, I believe we have a similar tradition over here on April 1st.

[tazet]

I believe we do 

I ment strange as in the photo shoped photo. Very cleverly done but not very convincing.

[The pointy helmet]

It is an incredibly precise "fusion" woodcarving we found in a temple in Thailand.
There were a few in a glass display case.
Better step in now before I wind everyone up...Fish, elephant lovers etc...
One lump of wood, unPhotoshopped.