Surin Elephant Round-up 2007

[farangconnection]

Well, it's almost that time again. And as usual the reports and reviews of this weekend in November are way out.

Three years ago we had a reputable travel firm offering flights to Surin for the Elephant Festival, but when you clicked on the link to book, you were offered a flight BKK-Phuket, with a link to Surin beach. How many travellers wishing to see the real show, they caught on that I don't know.

Last year another traval guide, had the dates completely wrong. I contacted them and for once they responded and changed it.

This year, on 2camels.com a well known English writer, has given his piece to mislead everyone. He has obviously never been to Surin. As it comes up #1 on google, when Elephant Festival Surin is typed in, I thought I would try and put things to right (again)

2camals: The annual festival is always held, come what may, on the third Saturday of November.

Fact: The Elephant festival kicks off on the second weekend in November, with a parade through the streets of Surin, and the large market out by the stadium. The market goes on all week, with Elephants roaming the streets of Surin, until the first of the main events. This takes place Friday morning, this year 16th , at around 09.00, and is known as the Elephant breakfast. It is the biggest mass feeding of Elephants anywhere in the world. Certain streets of Surin are lined with food, for the Pachyderms to pick at willy-nilly. It is a truly fascinating spectacle.

On the Saturday and Sunday, (17th & 18th), morning there are the Elephants shows. This the author has right, with his vivid description.

V.I.P. tickets(out of the sun) are available from The Farang Connection, Saren Travel or the local administration at 500 baht each.

2camels: Soon it will be a permament excursion every November, and there are now so many visitors that the local Hotels cannot cope, and some tourists have to be accomodated in Korat.

Fact: There are now over thirty hotels, appartments, resorts, guest houses in the Surin area, and many more within a 50 km radius. Korat is almost 200 km's away. The 2camels web-site does show only two hotels in Surin, and none in the area. But then they are paid to only show two.

Just a note to add. A lot of the good hotels are booked up already, even though you have to pay double, or sometimes even treble for that weekend. The Farang Connection does however still have four rooms free at the Majestic, and a good many at the Sang Thong.

[Artisan]

Well, it's almost that time again.

No way. We're only just into July!!!!!!

[jayenram]

The Farang Connection does however still have four rooms free at the Majestic, and a good many at the Sang Thong.

Maybe you should rephrase that sentence, Khun F*t G*t.

[johnsurin]

The Farang Connection does however still have four rooms free at the Majestic, and a good many at the Sang Thong.

Maybe you should rephrase that sentence, Khun F*t G*t.

Rapidly!!!!! Or is he not held to advertising rights?

[farangconnection]

The Farang Connection does however still have four rooms free at the Majestic, and a good many at the Sang Thong.

Maybe you should rephrase that sentence, Khun F*t G*t.

WHY???????????????? they're free as far as I'm concerned. I'm certainly not going to charge anything. If the Majestic themselves require a wee bit of re-imbursment, then I'm afraid that's nowt to do with me.

[Jai Dee]

SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP AND ELEPHANT SHOW

November 16 - 18, 2007

08.30 – 11.00 hrs

Srinarong Stadium, Surin

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.

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 500 baht, 300 baht and 40 baht.

Contact information:

TAT Northeastern Office – Region 1

Tel: (0) 4421 3666, 4421 3030

Fax: (0) 4421 3667

E-mail: [email protected]

[FrugalTurtle]

Hello Martin,

I hope you & the family are well. I'm thinking that you are now (if you haven't already) starting to gear-up for the big event. I'm sorry to say that this year I won't be able to experience the round-up. The US government has scheduled our marriage visa interview for that time frame. I hope you have a safe and profitable festival with many new good memories.

Matt

[Jai Dee]

TAT ORGANISING ANNUAL RAIL TOUR TO ELEPHANT ROUND-UP

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising a railway tour covering the annual Elephant Round-up Festival in Surin Province as well as major attractions in the Northeastern region, the culturally diverse bridgehead to the neighbouring countries of Lao PDR and Cambodia.

The three-day two-night tour will be organized during 16-18 November 2007, in cooperation with the State Railways of Thailand, Association of Thai Tour Operators, Association of Domestic Tour Operators, Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, Thai Tourism Promotion Association, and Association of Thai Travel Agents.

According to TAT Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, “This tour to the Annual Surin Elephant Round-up Show has been organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960.

“It is designed to promote domestic tourism and better distribute income to local regions, particularly in the northeast of Thailand. It also promotes travelling by train which helps to offset its environmental impact,” she said.

The Elephant Round-up, one of Thailand’s most historic and memorable events, is considered the most popular festival of northeastern Thailand. It recognises the important role that elephants have played in Thai history and culture.

More than 100 elephants take part in a display of grace, strength, and intelligence in games of soccer, log-carrying, and a tug-of-war against human teams.

On the evening of Friday, November 16, participants will depart from Bangkok Railway Station by Express Train No. 67 to Surin. After arriving in Surin early November 17 morning, they will have breakfast at Rajamangala University of Technology (Surin Campus) and then proceed directly to the Elephant Round-up.

Later the same day, they will visit the Chan Sopha Silk-weaving Group which is well-known for its fine gold brocade work. This village was chosen to weave the fabric for the silk shirts worn by delegates of the APEC summit in Thailand in 2003 as well as produce silk shawls as souvenirs for royal guests on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne in 2006.

In Buri Ram, they will also visit Phanom Rung Historical Park, the ancient Khmer sanctuary situated on an extinct volcano, at a height of approximately 200 metres.

The tour will depart from Buri Ram Railway Station at 2045 hrs and return to Bangkok on Sunday, November 18, 2007, at 0550 hrs. Space is available for about 160 people, at a cost of 3,970 Baht per person, which includes transportation fee, meals, and entrance fee for the Elephant Round up Show and Phanom Rung Historical Park. Children under four can travel free.

Further details and applications to join the tour are now being accepted at

The Association of Domestic Travel

Tel: +66 (0) 2270 1505-8

Association of Thai Tour Operators

Tel: +66 (0) 2933 4322-3

Thai Tourism Promotion Association

Tel: +66 (0) 2998 0983-5

Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association

Tel: +66 (0) 642 4426, (0) 2393 5855, (0) 2246 5659

Association of Thai Travel Agents, (Foreign Visitors)

Tel: +66 (0) 2237 6046-8

Northeastern Market Division, TAT

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 0867-8

[Yorkie]

I've included some pictures from this and past year's festivals on my website if anyone is interested:

freebeerforyorky.com

"Elephant Round-up"

Y

[The Vulcan]

I've posted some images of the Elephant round up and the light show at Srikhoraphum Castle on my website for those that may be interested.

www.f4foto.org

Hope you enjoy

[surinmike]

Martin you off the juice or still walking and driving about barefoot?????????????

[johnsurin]

Martin you off the juice or still walking and driving about barefoot?????????????

Yeah, he's off it now Mikey, I was looking forward to seeing him staggering about but I suppose it's for the best...

John.....