Within the elephant culture of Thailand hierarchy, the Khru Bay Yai is the most revered. These are former mahouts who caught their elephants in the wild and then raised them as part of their family.

At the recent, King’s Cup in Bangkok, the most senior Khru Bay Yai at age 88 was there to bless the elephants and preside over the opening ceremony.

Below is a video interview of this gentleman that was made seven years ago at an earlier King’s Cup tournament.  The video is provided with the complements of Santis Productions.