Life on the Project

Karen origins and culture

The Karen people, known as the elephant keepers, have a deep-rooted connection with elephants and nature. Originally from Myanmar, they migrated to Thailand during the civil war and now form the largest ethnic minority in the country. Many Karen communities rely on rice and corn farming, using traditional slash-and-burn techniques. Karen women are also skilled weavers, creating beautiful handmade textiles. Though originally animist, their villages today are mostly Buddhist or Christian, yet they still honour their spiritual traditions through Geeju ceremonies.

Lush green valley with winding river, scattered houses, wooded hills, and bright sunlight breaking through clouds.
Elderly woman in traditional attire weaving a blue textile on a wooden loom in an open-air workshop with greenery in the background.
A young boy in camouflage shirt and shorts crouches and pets three dogs in a rustic wooden outdoor setting, with additional dogs, clothing, and a canoe in the background.
Four piglets walking toward the camera on a dirt ground outside a rustic wooden structure.
An elderly woman with a pink towel wrapped around her head, wearing colorful beaded necklaces, a blue top, red and green striped pants, and a black jacket, sitting indoors with wooden stairs and wall in the background.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Supporting each other

We live alongside the Karen people, appreciating and learning from their rich traditions, language, handicrafts, and way of life. Our goal is to help preserve their culture while also providing opportunities for alternative income streams that support both their livelihoods and their elephants. By working together, we create a sustainable future that benefits the community and ensures better welfare for their elephants.

Two men in dark clothing sitting in a lush green field, with one resting his arm on the other's shoulder, appearing emotional and comforting each other.

Preserving Karen culture

  • Karen women weave scarves, bags, and clothing with traditional patterns, while the men craft baskets using age-old techniques. Guests can learn basket weaving from village elders and support the community by purchasing handmade souvenirs, helping to preserve this unique cultural heritage.

  • Visitors and interns have the opportunity to learn the Karen language, helping to preserve and pass it on for future generations.

  • Food holds great importance in Karen culture, and there is always enough rice for everyone. Rice is life, they say. Guests and interns can take part in cooking at their homestay on the first day, learning traditional techniques. For the rest of their stay, families will prepare meals, offering a variety of dishes.

A woman and a young child sitting on grass in a forest, hugging each other. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a white shirt, while the child has short hair and is wearing a colorful sleeveless shirt with animal and star patterns.

Alternative opportunities

  • With our short-term and internship programmes, we support our community by hosting our visitors in local homestays, which provide a sustainable source of income. Additionally, we run various other projects to further benefit the community.

  • We collaborate with the local nursery, school, and homestays to offer English lessons, supporting children and villagers who wish to develop their language skills. This collaborative effort promotes knowledge exchange and helps create opportunities.

  • We help maintain the village and forest by organising daily litter pick-ups to keep the area clean. Additionally, we care for village dogs by providing food and treating them for fleas, vaccinating, and spaying them to ensure their well-being. These are just some of the ways we contribute to the community.

VISITOR PROGRAMS

You’re welcome here anytime

Join us for an experience living among elephants and the Karen community. Book a trip to witness ethical elephant conservation, immerse yourself in local culture, and support meaningful research. Your visit helps protect elephants, preserve traditions, and uplift the community. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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