Thais have made use of buffaloes since before the time of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. They were not only used in farming as was seen during the famous siege of Bangrachan just before the fall of Ayutthaya. Thai farmers are as fond of their buffaloes as most people are of their dogs or cats. In the past it was unthinkable to slaughter buffalo for meat. Farmers would look after the animal until it died. Only then would they use the meat as food. They would also keep the horns of the buffalo as a kind of memento. After the farming season finishes, there would be ceremonies to bless the buffalo. Farmers would sing its praise and treat it with a big feast and fresh water. Some farmers even referred to the buffaloes as their children, which shows how much respect they had for them.