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SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP
November 19-20, 2005
Surin
 
 

PROGRAMME
Please click to view

The majestic Thai elephant has long been a central element in Thai culture and has held a respected place in Thai history. A symbol of power and grace, the elephant was revered by the ancient kings.

Elephants have been prominently featured in Thai legend, literature, art and architecture, and during the reign of King Rama II, an image of the auspicious elephant, symbolic of the King, was featured on the flag.

In daily life, as man and elephant depend on each other, the elephant is treated as part of the 'family'. The everyday life of the Thai elephant and its keeper is the central theme of the world-famous Surin elephant round-up held annually.

The "Elephant Contest" is being organised for the first time to promote awareness and a better understanding of the physiology of Thai elephants and the key characteristics of well-bred elephants.

The Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who, for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout Thailand. These handlers have great respect for their elephants.

The majority of elephant owners and mahouts in Thailand today are descendants of the "Kui" tribe (or "Suay" in Thai). They 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.



The Surin Elephant Round-up Show has been organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960 and has been well-received internationally.

Scene 1 : "CHA KHLONG"
This first scene, depicts hundreds of elephants as they exist in their natural habitat.

Scene 2: EVERYDAY LIFE & TRADITIONS
highlights scenes from everyday life in the community and local traditions and customs including the "Phi Pakarn" sacred ritual which is performed to ward off danger during elephant round-ups.

Scene 3: FROM FORESTS TO DOMESTICATION
provides a demonstration of techniques used in the capture of wild elephants and training techniques for elephants at work

Scene 4: THE TRADITIONS OF SURIN
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.

Scene 5: ELEPHANTS IN WARFARE
This is a presentation of the ancient art of warfare on elephant back.

Scene 6: "BIDDING FAREWELL"

Contact information:
SURIN PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Phone: 0-4451-2039

TICKETS FOR "THE ELEPHANT SHOW"
500 Baht and 200 Baht
Advanced reservations are available for 500 Baht tickets.
Please call 0-4451-2039


PROGRAMME

At Si Narong Stadium
08.30 - 11.00 hours
November 10 – 21, 2005 Surin Elephant Round-up and Red Cross Fair.
November 19 – 20, 2005 Surin Elephant Round-up Show
   
At the area of the statue of Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Chang Wang
19 November, 2005 Welcome and Elephant Feeding Party
09.30 – 17.30 hours

At Rajamongkol Institute of Technology, Surin Campus
19 November, 2005 An exciting elephant rally starting from 15.00 hours
   
At Nong Tong Pittayakhom School
(Opposite Weeravat Yotin Army Camp)
19 November, 2005  
19.00 – 20.00 hours Land of the Elephant
Light-and-sound presentation  

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 1
Areas of responsibility: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Chaiyaphum
Tel: +66 (0) 4421 3666, (0) 4421 3030
Fax: +66 (0) 4421 3667
E-mail: tatsima@tat.or.th

   
  IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past.
To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email:
info@tat.or.th
Website:
www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

 
 
 
Copyright Tourism Authority of Thailand. All Rights Reserved.