Taboo and Health Behavior of Mahout in Elephant Biosphere of Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

The In-Depth Interview was done with 5 leaders of mahouts (Elephant Charmers). The content from qualitative
research was analyzed to construct the 97 items for quantitative research. Factor analysis was used for determination the
component factors of health behavior of the Elephant Charmers, mahouts and their families in Thailand. The survey research,
questionnaires were used for data collection from 530 Elephant Charmers, mahouts and their families in Surin Province of
Thailand. Data was analyzed exploratory factors analysis and group discussion. The objectives of this research were to study
health autobiography, taboo and health behavior of Elephant Charmers, mahouts and their families in elephant biosphere of
Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and to analyze component factor of heath behavior; propose ways to improve
health behaviors of mahouts and their families in Thailand. The results of the research were as the followings. The health
autobiography and health behavior of 5 Elephant Charmers (leaders of mahouts), key informants in both Thailand and Laos,
aged 81-89 years, known as “Mhor sa-diang”, “Mhor Sa-dum” and “Kru-ba-yai or Ti-yai” were found in 5 aspects of health;
Physical with well-being, Emotional with good temper, Social with the leadership, Spiritual self-reliance and Intellectual with good
memory. They were the leaders of community rites. They could raise warm and strong families by being careful, proudly,
practicing in the taboo and the principle of Buddhism without exploitation. They lived consistently with the Sufficiency Economic
Philosophy. The taboo of mahouts in elephant biosphere of Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic were the same as
in daily activities; such as, eating, sitting, walking, sleeping, worshipping “Pa Kam” spirits and practicing the dharma. They were
even more strict in their daily lives during the wild elephant round-up. The factors analysis, the five components related to heath
behavior of Elephant Charmers, mahouts, and their families in Thailand included 1) The procedure and food for health, 2) The
family relationship, 3) The strict practice in morals and the principle of Buddhism, 4) The credibility leadership, and 5) The
generosity and non-exploit.