Storyline: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, though currently paused, continue to reverberate in Thailand's Surin Province, where elephants and the local tourism industry are bearing the brunt of the unrest. The fighting, which erupted last Thursday as soldiers exchanged gunfire over border disputes, resulted in over 30 fatalities, over 100,000 evacuations, and an eventual agreement on an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire." After intense clashes, the ceasefire, negotiated in Malaysia by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, took effect on July 28, 2025. Despite this truce, the impact of the conflict lingers, particularly on the region's iconic elephants. These gentle giants, sensitive to sound and vibrations, suffered from the repeated artillery blasts and rumble of military vehicles. "She is like a member of my family. I have been with her since she was a baby. When the blasts were close, she would get shocked. Her eyes would weep. She reacted like humans," said Chattri Salangam, a mahout. Known across Thailand as the "Land of Elephants," Surin has for generations built its identity around these gentle creatures. "Elephants are the magnet that attracts tourism to the province of Surin, making it well-known around the world. All festivals and events in Surin include elephants. We have the largest population of captive elephants in the world, it's a highlight and an important attraction," said Vorapot Saendee, an assistant at the Tourism Development Office. Beyond cultural significance, elephants are a pillar of Surin's economy. Cultural tourism centered on elephant camps, riding trails, and performances supports thousands of local families. Now, with the region deemed unstable, tourism has vanished. "This has impacted local incomes, especially those of villagers. The number of tourists have decreased, as many have canceled their trips due to safety concerns," said Vorapot Saendee. Shotlist: Surin Province, Thailand - Recent: 1. Various of mahout, elephant taking bath 2. SOUNDBITE (Thai) Chattri Salangam, mahout (partially overlaid with shot 3): "She is like a member of my family. I have been with her since she was a baby. When the blasts were close, she would get shocked. Her eyes would weep. She reacted like humans." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Elephant [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of elephants 5. SOUNDBITE (Thai) Vorapot Saendee, assistant, Tourism Development Office: "Elephants are the magnet that attracts tourism to the province of Surin, making it well-known around the world. All festivals and events in Surin include elephants. We have the largest population of captive elephants in the world, it's a highlight and an important attraction." 6. Various of elephants 7. SOUNDBITE (Thai) Vorapot Saendee, assistant, Tourism Development Office: "This has impacted income, especially the income of local villagers. The impact is from a decrease in tourists. Many tourists are worried and have canceled their trips." 8. Various of statues of elephants. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]