The Kui originated from southern Laos and northwestern Cambodia. The ethnic group is closely associated with elephants. For them, an elephant is a cultural heritage, a valuable asset, and a family member. They pay special attention to their elephants. The elephant population has been reduced rapidly in Surin Province, from 361 in 1979 to 101 in 1986. Due to a lack of forest land, many elephants have been sold. The Kui have trained elephants for various purposes including for tourism. The province has promoted elephant training and raising by registering them, providing treatments when they are sick, and giving rewards for newly born elephants. To promote elephant training and raising, it is recommended that grazing land be specifically allocated to provide sufficient food sources for the animals. Furthermore, male elephants should be sterilized to decrease their fierceness. When they become tame, they can be of great benefit to the group instead of being sold.