Thailand - Battle of the Elephants

Elephants Plai Ngathong and Plai Cocholaat, both 25 years old, practice their fight scene for a stage production of King Naresuan in Suphanburi while their mahouts, Toi (30) and Ya (27) direct the action and hang on tightly.

The huge bull elephants, owned and trained by Elephantstay in Ayutthaya, Thailand, have undergone years of training to be able to safely recreate mock fight scenes for stage and cinema productions. As well as providing an important source of income, the work...
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Elephants Plai Ngathong and Plai Cocholaat, both 25 years old, practice their fight scene for a stage production of King Naresuan in Suphanburi while their mahouts, Toi (30) and Ya (27) direct the action and hang on tightly.

The huge bull elephants, owned and trained by Elephantstay in Ayutthaya, Thailand, have undergone years of training to be able to safely recreate mock fight scenes for stage and cinema productions. As well as providing an important source of income, the work gives the elephants much needed stimulation and pushes the skills of their mahouts.

As well as training, Elephantstay rehabilitates injured or maltreated elephants and provides them with a home. One of their aims is to revitalise some of the lost ancient skills of elephant handling. Over the years, elephants from the centre have been used in productions such as Jackie Chan's 80 Days Around the World and Oliver Stone's Alexander.

The production of King Naresuan tells the story of Yuttahadhi or the 'Elephant Battle' when the Siam King fought and killed the Burmese prince, Minchit Sra on elephant back. It features elephants, riders on horseback, hundreds of extras, fireworks and flares in a purpose built stadium near Suphanburi, 135km north of Bangkok.
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