The Prakochabaan Foundation and the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Elephant Kraal Village were founded by Laithongrien Meepan in April 2005. Laithongrien Meepan (Pi Om) is a qualified zoologist with a master's degree in Community Development. Founder and Director of the and the Prakochabaan Foundation, he is an expert on elephant breeding, training, history and culture. He received the Tan Khun Paen Din (Outstanding Social Contributors Award) in 2010. His wife Romthongsai Meepan (Pi Lek) has committed her life to elephants and their welfare. Romthongsai managed the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace for many years, and specializes in educating Thai people about elephants. She liaisons with local government and businesses promoting elephants and the issues they face.
The Prakochabaan Foundation aims to protect and conserve elephants, encourage the culture of elephants and the development of mahouts and elephants, and to raise their status to the noble position they once held in Thai society. The foundation is also a World Elephant Day associate.