"Pela Ploen" in Buriram province has opened the "SIAM FOSSIL" exhibition, linking elephant stories from ancient times to the present. It revives Southern Isan's image as the "City of Elephants," aiming to become a global learning tourism destination.
On 29 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at the Pela Ploen Learning Park in Ku Mueang district, Buriram province, Mr. Pranai Saichompoo, Managing Director of Pela Ploen Boutique Resort Co., Ltd., welcomed distinguished guests and officially opened the exhibition under the concept "FOSSIL IN THE GARDEN." It creates a learning space through real experiences amid nature, offering youth and the public close access to paleontology knowledge.
The event featured a panel discussion connecting elephant stories from prehistoric times to the present, with experts from various sectors including Mr. Piriya Watchajitpan, founder of Tha Museum and The Art Auction Center; Dr. Sita Manitkul, a paleontology researcher at Mahasarakham University; Assistant Professor Dr. Natthinee Thongdee, Director of the Petrified Wood and Georesources Research Institute of Northeastern Thailand; as well as executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices in Buriram and Surin.
Mr. Pranai Saichompoo said the SIAM FOSSIL exhibition aims to promote learning about history, geology, science, and the environment. It also revives Southern Isan's image as the "City of Elephants" from ancient times to today, alongside developing sustainable educational tourism and conservation.
The exhibition content presents elephant fossils and petrified wood from the volcanic land of Southern Isan, covering Buriram, Surin, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. A key highlight is the display of the skeleton "Yai Toom" or "Phang Toom," a significant elephant from Surin province, symbolizing the lifestyle and close bond between people and elephants in this region.
The "SIAM FOSSIL" exhibition results from collaboration among multiple partners to elevate the Khmer civilization routes, volcanic lands, and Southern Isan's elephant cities into a world-class educational tourism destination. It is open to the public and tourists from 28 January until December 2026 at Pela Ploen Learning Park, Buriram province.
