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Act 1
Calling on the Gods — An Invocation Ritual
The show starts with ‘wai kru’, a solemn ritual performed as a gesture of respect to ‘grand masters’ and mentors in martial arts as well as the performing arts.
Indra, the Vedic god of the sky, clouds and monsoon and Guardian of the East, descends to earth on his mount, Erawan, a handsome elephant. National artist, Krujang Klaisritong, recites verses of poetry. |
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Act 2
Descent to the Human Realm
The scene opens with children in the village bonding with baby elephants. The children, dressed in traditional costume, play with the elephants.
The relationship between the career mahout and his elephant often goes back a long way to their respective childhood days. In rural communities, where elephants have been kept by a family for generations, age-old knowledge and skills in the care and control of elephants are passed down from father to son. At the same time, generations of elephants are born into the family unit. As man and elephant depend on each other, the elephant is treated as a member of the 'family'.
Young boys and baby elephants grow up together with the young boys given an opportunity to work with the family elephants, preparing them for what becomes a lifetime with one particular animal. A life-long bond is forged. The relationship is based on affection and complete trust in one individual. The elephant is very loyal to its mahout.
Act 3
Hunt for the Leader
In the wild, elephants live in herds, led by ‘cha klong’, the mighty leader of the herd.
Act 4
The Capture of Wild Elephants
In times past, the capture of wild elephants was an extremely treacherous undertaking requiring tremendous expertise. The men of the village would be away from home for months. Over 300 domesticated elephants will take part in this demonstration ancient techniques used in the capture of wild elephants. Act 4 includes a demonstration of the "Phi Pakarn" sacred ritual which is performed to ward off danger during elephant round-ups.
Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who, for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout the country. The "Kui" tribe (or "Suay" in Thai) are thought to have migrated from Cambodia to settle largely in the northeastern provinces near the Cambodian border. Known for their expertise in capturing, domesticating and training wild elephants, the life-long relationship of the mahout with his elephant is an integral element of Kui culture, tradition and the way of life. The elephant is his companion and a family member. These handlers have great respect for their elephants.
Act 5
Celebrations: Every day life and traditions
highlights scenes from everyday life in the community and local traditions and customs including
The local culture, customs and traditions featured in this scene reflect the inseparable ties and the relationship of respect that exists between man
and the elephant.
Act 6
From Forests to Domestication
provides a demonstration of techniques used in the capture of wild elephants and training techniques for elephants at work.
There has been a long history of the domestication of elephants and through the centuries, these graceful creatures have been an integral part of the Thai way of life. Considered to be an auspicious creature, the elephant's association with the three key institutions of the country — nation, religion and king, through the centuries, led to its elevation to the status of national symbol.
Regarded as the symbol of prosperity and power, and grace, befitting that of a monarch, in ancient times, elephants were used as mounts in times of war. The more elephants a king possessed, the more powerful he was perceived to be. The use of elephants in royal ceremonies and rituals still prevails today. White elephants or Chang Samkhan, symbolic of the king, are still considered to be auspicious animals and are especially prized.
Historically, elephants were principally involved in the transportation of people and goods. While there are endless accounts of legendary "war elephants" at the service of the kings of Siam, only a few of the finest elephants were trained for combat and served in the first line of attack. Most were used solely for transport.
Act 7
Elephants in Warfare
This is a presentation of the ancient art of warfare on elephant back.
Act 8
Grande Finalé and Farewell
The Surin Elephant Show closes with some 2,000 performers in full costume on stage and hundreds of elephants.
Tickets are on sale at 800 baht, 500 baht and 300 baht.
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office – Region 1
Tel: (0) 4421 3666, 4421 3030
Fax: (0) 4421 3667
E-mail: tatsima@tat.or.th
Getting to Surin
By Car
Take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) in Sara Buri and follow Highway No. 224 through Chok Chai. Then turn left into Highway No. 214 to Surin province. The distance is 450 kms.
Alternatively, take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) in Sara Buri and follow Highway No. 226 passing through the districts Chakkarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat and Buri Ram province to Surin.
The distance is 434 kms.
By Bus
Daily bus services depart from the Northeastern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road (Morchit) in Bangkok. The trip takes approximately 6 hours.
Contact information:
Tel: (0) 2936 2852 - 66
By Rail
Daily train services depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Contact information:
State Railway of Thailand
Tel: (0) 2223 7010 or (0) 2223 7020
By Air
PB Air flies to Buriram Airport in Satuk district.
The distance from Buri Ram province to Surin province is 50 kms. |
