Krua-orn
For many years, Asian elephants were used in the relatively simple, low-intensity logging operations in Thailand and elsewhere in the region. As the move to scythe down whole forests progresses, there is less and less use for these elephants: heavy machinery works more efficiently in a clear-cutting situation. In this story, a young elephant keeper manages to save the life of a forest ranger, dedicated to keeping the national forest preserves safe from poaching. The elephant-keeper, on the other hand, is economically compelled to work for the poachers in order to keep his family fed, and to preserve the family lands from sale by a greedy businessman who once loaned them money.
A man, Thongphun Khokpho, is released from jail after five years spent for manslaughter. As he tries to make an honest living, he discovers that there's no room in Thai society for ex-cons. He soon gets himself into trouble again.
