Surin has been hosting the Elephant Round-up Festival since 1960. Each year, thousand of tourists watch local mahouts manifest their elephant control skill and a troop of up to 100 elephants performing shows. This manifestation of the elephant maneuver has the background in the north of Surin—Taklang Village at Krapo Sub-district, Thatoom District and Nanongphai Sub-district and Chumphonburi District. These areas are home of the native people called Guai or Suai. They have had and trained a number of the elephants for the domestic and ceremonial purposes. On November 19, 1960, the elephant round-up was organized to celebrate a new district office. The show received a great attention from lots of local and international visitors that it was made the annual festival of the province in 1962.
Cruel and disgusting at best! Pure torture for these beautiful, smart and majestic creatures. Not to mention, showing the mahoot using his bullhook on that poor elephant displays what cruel people you are!