Book Condition: Near Fine. Ta Klang: The Elephant Valley of Mool River Basin, 2002, Pittaya Homkrailas. This is a pictorial book about the Guay and their elephants in Ban Ta Klang. The author has been engaged in a number of elephant-conservation organizations. This book is copiosly illustarted with about 100 monochrome pictures which reveal very curious aspects of the life in Ban Ta Klang, including sections on Elephant Shamanism, Black Magic and Amulets used by the local people. Mr Pittaya Homkrailas, director of The Asian Elephant Foundation, is a man who believes strongly in conservation and aims to do what he can to promote the neccessity of conservation. His love of elephants and of nature prompted his permanent move to Koh Chang, literally meaning Elephant Island. His beginning as a journalist, his knowledge of his country and love of elephants combined, led him to write a book about the unique history of Thailands relationship with elephants. The book is called ‘Ta Klang, The Elephant Valley of the Mool River Basin’. He explains in the foreword how ‘over the past 3-4 millenia the Elephant has played a major role throughout Asia and how the Elephant still continues to be an integral part of Thai culture. The book tells of the relationship (which continues even in this day) between the Guay Ethnic community of Baan Ta Klang Village and elephants. Here age-old traditions of elephant raising are practised and passed down from one generation to the next. As well wonderfully detailed text about all aspects of their traditions and the methods used the book also conatins some beautiful photos to give us an insight into a fascinating feature of Thai culture. ‘ You have one life, one world, you have to help each other, follow your dreams and look after the world. Then you, and the one you help come together to help the environment and make it sustainable’ - Pittaya Homkrailas.
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