Surin Elephant Round-up

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The Surin Elephant Round-up takes place on the third weekend of November in Surin province, Isan, Thailand. It is of recent origin, first held in 1960. The people of Surin were traditionally excellent at capturing elephants in Cambodia, then training them as working animals. Civil war in Cambodia and the elephant's decreasing economic importance has forced the elephant handlers to turn to entertainment to make a living.

The event consists of a series of shows displaying the strength and skill of the animals, such as football games and tugs of war.

[edit] Elephant Breakfast

The Elephant Breakfast is a small part of the festival. A procession of up to over 300 elephants (2005) start marching through Surin city from the train station area toward the Elephant roundabout at the far end of the city before you get to the Prasat round.

The elephants carry dignatories and also some tourists who dismount their steeds on arrival, some elephants carry men in authentic battle outfits from the Thai - Khmer battles. Intermingled with the elephant procession are local schools and teachers in traditional dress, dancing and playing music.

Once all the elephants have arrived then the banquet can begin, the tables of fruits are quickly cleared by the large team of elephants.