The Surin Elephant Round-up usually takes place on the third weekend of November in Surin province,(this year, 2009, main weekend is 20th, 21st and 22nd November) 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 (mahoots) to turn to entertainment to make a living.

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Isan Thailand