Rediscovering Tradition at Banrai Baibun: An Elephant Sanctuary with a Heart
The Thatum District is home to a heartwarming elephant sanctuary, nestled an hour's journey from Buriram Airport, known as Banrai Baibun. This haven is not just a sanctuary for the majestic elephants but also a rescue home for cows, chickens, and dogs that have been saved from strenuous labor and the threat of slaughterhouses.
At Banrai Baibun, the Kuy community upholds a profound traditional bond with elephants, embodying trust, love, and a spiritual connection to these gentle giants. The Kuy, an ethnic group from the Surin province, celebrate their time-honored methods of elephant care, revering the shrine of Pakam and maintaining their faith in these age-old practices.
Among the sanctuary’s elephant residents is Buatong, a 13-year-old female, who was once subjected to the grueling task of hauling lumber in southern Thailand. Touched by her plight, the Kee's compassionate approach led them to purchase her freedom. Similarly, Kun Chang, an elder male elephant with vision in only one eye, was liberated from laborious conditions by Kee. In a show of communal spirit, Thai patrons often band together to rescue cows by purchasing them collectively.
The sanctuary’s connection with its supporters extends to the digital realm through the Plaimam Channel on YouTube. Viewers and supporters can engage with Kee during live chats, where bilingual volunteers are available to facilitate communication in both English and Thai.
https://www.youtube.com/@PlaiMan_Youtube
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Thailand's tourism industry, including the potential sale of Kee's beloved elephant, Plai Mam. In an extraordinary event, Plai Mam, alongside Kun Chang, remarkably broke free from their chains as a sign of protest against the sale. Kee, deeply affected by their action, vowed to keep them.
On November 2, 2020, the sanctuary celebrated the birth of a female elephant named Baibun, sparking the creation of a fan club through YouTube and Facebook. Buoyed by this outpouring of support, Kee embarked on a journey back to his roots in Surin Province. There, he aspired to transform Banrai Baibun into an elephant utopia. This project saw fruition in 2020 with plans for expansion, including establishing a medical center to provide care for the sanctuary's elephants and to educate those interested in elephant conservation. Adding to the sanctuary’s joy, an elephant calf named Jhombun was born on April 3, 2023.
Banrai Baibun stands as a testament to the dedication of the Kuy community and global elephant lovers, ensuring a future where these animals are respected and cared for in accordance to the noblest of traditions.
Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suriya5312
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlaiMan_Youtube
Website : https://elephantsurin.org/
Tel: +66 89 626 6316
Location: 48 Moo 6 Tambon Krapho, Thatum District, Surin 32120, Thailand Suriya Sapmak