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Testimonals

testimonals Here's what some of our volunteers have to say about The Elephant Mahout Project more



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  Meet The Mahouts

Vi Lai is the owner of Dokkoon. and Chan Dee. and the mahout for Dokkoon. He lives at the camp with his wife Lee. Also living at the camp is one of his daughters with her husband, Jam Long and their two children. Vi Lai is a quiet man - until he gets to know you! He has a fondness for calling people 'madam' (thankfully only ladies!) and is a bit of a joker.
New is the second mahout for Dokkoon. He is training with Vi Lai and Dokkoon and we have seen big changes in his attitude and demeanor over the past 6 months. Since working with Dokkoon New has become much more responsible, although he still likes to show off on his motorbike around the camp!
Jam Long the mahout for Chan Dee. He lives at the camp with his wife, 3 year old son - mahout in training Dola - and 9 month old daughter Pikun. Along with his wife Jam Long runs the shop at the camp. He is a cheeky character, always ready with a smile. Jam Long is very keen to learn English and walks through the forest with volunteers pointing at things and asking for the English words.
Dola is the three year old son of Jam Long., and grandson of Vi Lai, and a mahout in training! Despite only being 3 years old he holds his own at the camp and can show volunteers a thing or two about how to tell an elephant what to do! During the week Dola attends pre-school and his favourite phrase at the moment is 'good morning teacher' which he says to everyone!
Mr. Choi is the mahout for Wassana.He is the local 'cowboy' with a handlebar moustache and cowboy hat never far away. Mr. Chois' house is often the centre for social gatherings and his hammock is in hot demand, as is his barbecue on an evening due to his prowess as a fisherman.
Noi is the mahout for Cam Gow. Noi is rarely seen without his mobile phone attached to his ear - technology has even reached this peaceful part of the world - even when riding his elephant Cam Gow. Noi is a kind, gentle man with a special talent for making jewellery from his elephants teeth - which he collects when they fall out naturally
Pun is the mahout for Cam La. Pun is the Brad Pitt of the camp i.e. very good looking - ladies if you're lucky your elephant will be having a drink just as Pun is taking a shower! (we should point out that at the camp you wear shorts or a sarong whilst showering - just in case you get the wrong idea about us!) Pun is a very caring mahout to Cam La and he has spent lots of extra time training her. In our quest to re-educate mahouts that have been trained to mistreat their elephants in order to make them comply Pun is on of our first ports of call due to his experience and caring nature.
Dat is Puns brother and the second mahout for Cam La. He is currently back home in Buriram with their family but when at the camp he brightens everyone's day. Looking like a Buddha in a Barcelona shirt Dat will make fun of everyone but is equally happy to get the same treatment back.
Mr. Duan is the owner and mahout of Su Da. He lives at the camp with his wife, son and granddaughter. Rarely seen without a smile on his face - or his 'designer' sunglasses, Mr. Duan is always ready with a supportive cheer for volunteers and is as chilled out as his elephant.
Tia is the son of Mr. Duan and the mahout for Su Da.When not trying to look cool Tia will help and join in with anything; playing football, cards, sep-ata-kor (a Thai version of keepy uppy crossed with volleyball) or building - if there's something to be done Tia will be there - if he's not asleep in a hammock that is!
Aod is the mahout for Lam Pai. A bachelor at the camp Aod likes to keep a mean & moody persona, spoiled slightly by his fondness for milkshakes and Thai soap operas. New to the camp Aod seems to be shy & is very quiet but is starting to become more familiar with his surroundings and settled in his environment.
Nin is the mahout for Duan. He is the artist of the camp and is called upon when an elephant needs to be 'decorated' for a special occasion - a blessing, wedding or ceremony for example. He is also the one called upon to make intricate items of jewellery. Nin is also a great cook - his pork with chilli (muu phad prik) is not to be missed.
Taa is the mahout for Kammoon. Just like dogs and their owners becoming similar, so seems to be the case for elephants and their mahouts; both are calm, unruffled and always look sleepy! Taa can often be found in a hammock and is very quiet but seems to relish working with volunteers and raises from his stupor. A bit of a dark horse, he lives at the camp with his mother and father.
Pi Taa is Taa's father and also the mahout for Kammoon.A master of all trades, Pi Taa is your man if you want to learn how to make a hammock, a fishing net...pretty much anything and he will be an expert in making it. He lives at the camp with his son Taa and wife Sam Lan who sells souvenirs at the entrance to the camp.
Yaa is the owner of Birdie, Em, Lin Ling and Gan Guay, and the mahout for Birdie and Em. He lives at the camp with his wife and son. Yaa is a friendly guy, always ready with a smile, encouraging words and a greeting for everyone. He enjoys working with volunteers and talking to tourists and certainly has his hands full caring for Em!
Aet is the son of Yaa and the mahout for Lin Ling. and Gan Guay. New to the camp, Aet has settled in well, adjusting well to the quietness of the camp - although he does like to escape for a bit of karaoke on a regular basis!
Lom is the mahout for Sam Ruay. There are two places that you can find Lom if you need him - other than with San Ruay of course: in front of the TV watching Thai boxing or in a hammock (not a particularly unusual place to find a mahout!) The gentle nature that Lom treats San Ruay with is great to see, as is the smile that never seems to leave Loms face.
Bui is Jons nephew and the maout for Low Tong. At first seeming very quiet Bui has a cheeky and friendly nature once he gets to know you. Often seen in a Manchester United shirt Bui cares for diva Low Tong with a gentle and caring hand. If anyone sums up the Thai 'sanook' & 'mai pen lai' nature it is Bui.
Jon is the owner of Low Tong. He does not ride her very often now after a fall so spends much of his time making noodle soup for the mahouts to eat at lunchtime - it is very delicious and highly recommended! Jon is also the mahout that leads the Pa-Kam Ceremony at the camp.
Lan is the mahout for Tor Fan and lives at the camp with his wife and little boy. Always smiling and laughing he is rarely seen without his baseball cap and sunglasses - he is always very smartly turned out!
Guay is Lans' son. He does not live at the camp but travels here regularly with his wife and baby daughter to help take care of Tor Fan
Wichai is the mahout for Pai Tong. Newly arrived at the camp from Ayuthaya with his wife Yung who is also the mahout for Pai Tong.
Gim is the mahout for Chom Poo; a cheeky chappy he always has a wave and a 'hello' for tourists and volunteers and likes to introduce Chom Poo to them
Gof is the mahout for Lin Ling