Ban Khun Chai Thong Village.

James Phuttaratorn

Last updated: 5 Sept 2025

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Ban Khun Chai Thong Community, Nong Ruea Subdistrict, Chumphon Buri District, Surin Province

Ban Khun Chai Thong is one of the most renowned elephant-raising communities in Surin and is considered a model area for preserving the cultural bond between people and elephants, passed down through many generations.

History
The ancestors of Ban Khun Chai Thong villagers migrated from the area near the Cambodian border, bringing elephants with them for practical uses such as logging and transportation. Over time, elephant care became a family heritage.

In the past, every household owned at least one elephant. Today, Ban Khun Chai Thong is known as the village with the largest number of elephants in Surin.

Way of Life with Elephants
Here, elephants are treated as family members, often referred to by villagers as siblings of the household. Visitors can experience this close relationship through activities such as:

Bathing elephants in streams or ponds near the village
Feeding elephants and learning about their healthcare
Trekking with elephants to connect with nature
Listening to stories, wisdom, and traditions about elephant capturing, training, and local beliefs rooted in Southern Isaan culture

Handicrafts and Local Products

Beyond elephant raising, villagers also create unique handicrafts using elephant dung and local materials, such as:
Elephant dung paper
Souvenirs like coasters and notebooks
Organic products including mosquito repellent, dishwashing liquid, and daily-use items

These crafts not only make creative use of natural resources but also provide supplementary income for households.

Community-Based Tourism
Ban Khun Chai Thong warmly welcomes visitors through homestay programs and learning-based tourism. Popular activities include:

Visiting the elephant village and learning its history
Cooking traditional dishes with villagers, such as Kaeng Yuak (banana stalk curry), Khao Jee (grilled sticky rice), and authentic Isaan food
Enjoying local cultural performances with phin, khaen, drums, and traditional dance
Craft-making workshops with womens groups and community members

The Importance of Ban Khun Chai Thong

A central hub for elephant raising in Surin
A sustainable learning center for the human-elephant way of life
A place that helps conserve Thai elephants and prevents them from being exploited in urban areas
A model of community-based tourism that generates income and fosters pride among locals

Visiting Ban Khun Chai Thog in Snurin is more than just a tripit is an opportunity to experience the beautiful and rare bond between people and elephants, a heritage that continues to thrive in todays world.

James Phuttaratorn

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