Surin Elephant Roundup

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Schedule : 16-17 November 2002

Venue : Si Narong Stadium, Amphoe Muang, Surin.

Origin :
In the northern part of Surin Province around Tambon Krapho in Amphoe Tha Tum and Tambon Nong Na Phai in Amphoe Chumphon Buri, there is a sizable community of local people called Kuai or Suai that has tended elephants since ancient times. The elephants are used in events and ceremonies, especially at Ban Ta Klang in Tambon Krapho that is about 58 kilometers from the province. There, villagers keep a large number of elephants until the village is sometimes called the Elephant Village. The village is near the rivers of Mun and Chi. The area was originally a verdant forest.
The Elephant Roundup shows the bond between humans and elephants and the interesting traditions and culture of the Surin people.

Activities :
- Shows are divided into sets that tell about the daily life of the Kuai people, the origin of trained elephants from the jungle to work, elephant sports, etc.
- Exhibitions by provincial public and private offices.
- Products for sale by the private sector and entertainment.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- Phraya Surintharaphakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum) Monument (Muang)
	is dedicated to the lord who built the city and an important figure in the province's history.
- Wat Burapharam (Muang)
	houses Luang Pho Phra Chi or Luang Pho Prachi Buddha image that is in the Man Wichai posture. Locals regard it as the most sacred object of the province.
- Huai Saneng (Muang)
	is a reservoir of the irrigation project. Inside is a palace of the Princess Mother that visitors can tour.
- Phanom Sawai Park (Muang)
	is regarded by ancestors of the province as a pilgrimage site. People would walk up the low hill to the peak barefooted.
- Ban Phluang Sanctuary (Prasat)
	is a small stone sanctuary but with beautiful carving.

For more information, contact :
- Information and Follow-up Department, Surin Provincial Office.
	Tel. (044) 521361
- TAT Northeastern Region Office: Area 1 (Nakhon Ratchasima).
	Tel. (044) 213666, 213030, fax (044) 213667