Surin’s Elephant Show, first organized by the Tourism Authority of
Thailand in 1960, is now reputedly the world’s best.
The first scene in the show, called Cha Khlong, recounts natural
life of wild elephants, and the coexistence between the wild
elephants and the Kui.
Also shown is Phi Pakam ritual, which is believed to ward off danger
during elephant round up. The next scene is on elephant catching and
training. The various elephants’ tricks shown include flag hoisting
and rocking the cradle. The next scene is on the various traditions
in Surin. Emphasis is on the ordination ceremony, during which the
person to be ordained rides and elephant into the temple. The next
scenes are Chalong Phra, the celebration after the ordination
whereby elephants play football and tug-of-war with men. The finale
is dramatically concluded with the grand scene of warfare on
elephant back.
The Show is organized in the 3rd
weekend of November every year, at the Elephant Stadium, Thanon
Kotchasan, Amphoe Muang Surin.
Elephant Parade in Ordination Ceremony
The Kui, especially those live in the elephant-raising village of
Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Ka Pho, Tha Tu,, actively participate in
ordination ceremony, They will ride tens of elephants to pay homage
to Chao Pho Wang Thalu Shrine, then cross the Mun river back to the
ceremony at wat Chaeng Sawang.
The ceremony is organized on the 13th – 15th
days of the waxing moon around mid May every year. Many venues exist
in Tha Tum, especially at Ban Ta Klang.
Exploring Surin
Pilgrimage to Sacred Places and Eco-Tourism
Monument of Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang
(Chiang Pum)
Surin City Pillar, Wat Burapharam Huai Sa-neng Reservoir
Phanom Sawai National Forest Nong Khu National Forest
Visit the Handicraft Villages
Hang Nu rattan weaving at Ban Buthom Prakueam silver ornaments at
Ban Chok Silk at Ban Sawai, Ban Chan Rom and Ban Khwao Sinarin
Land of Elephants at Ban Ta Klang Ban Ta Klang, Elephant Study
Center.
