Located in the heart of Thailand, within the Ban Ta Klang Elephant village, resides a community that shares a remarkable connection with their gentle giants.
These indigenous Thais, belonging to the Suay ethnic group, have long held Asian elephants in high regard, considering them more than just beasts of burden but cherished members of their families.
Unlike in other areas where elephants are mainly used for work, here they are invited into homes, becoming an integral part of everyday life.
Centuries ago in Thailand, elephant catchers forged strong bonds with the wild elephants they tamed using traditional methods such as buffalo skin lassos.
In the village of Ban Ta Klang in Surin, this age-old tradition perseveres as families peacefully share their lives with their majestic companions.
Photographer Nuttawut Jaroenchai skillfully portrays the extraordinary bond between villagers and elephants through his lens.
Having experienced the harmonious coexistence firsthand, Jaroenchai expressed his admiration for the villagers’ remarkable ability to communicate and live in harmony with these majestic creatures.
The Suay ethnic minority boasts a longstanding tradition of employing domesticated elephants for agricultural tasks, tracing back to ancient eras.
Known as adept “elephant whisperers,” Suay individuals historically ventured into the jungle, utilizing buffalo skin ropes to capture and domesticate wild elephants until the practice was prohibited in 1957. Nevertheless, the reverence for elephants remains deeply ingrained in Suay culture.
In contemporary times, the role of elephants within the village has undergone transformation. While still engaged in some practical activities such as leisurely jungle walks or providing rides for children, elephants are increasingly regarded as pets and featured in tourist entertainment.
The surge in tourism across Thailand has spurred this transformation, elevating elephants to symbols of reverence and starring roles in training shows for visitors.
Amidst the changes wrought by tourism, the deep bond shared by the Suay people and elephants persists. While no longer primarily utilized for labor-intensive tasks, elephants remain vital to village life, serving as companions and cultural icons.
Through his photography, Jaroenchai immortalizes glimpses of the Suay people’s everyday lives, showcasing the enduring kinship between humans and elephants in this distinctive region of Thailand.
In Ban Ta Klang, amidst the scorching sun, a monk finds solace alongside his tamed elephant. The tools once used for trapping wild elephants, such as buffalo hide ropes, now serve as reminders of a bygone era.
Though the landscape may have shifted with the presence of tourism, the spirit of the Suay community, intertwined with their gentle giants, remains steadfast.
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