WORLD : An Unforgettable Elephant Ride
- Share via
BANGKOK, Thailand — A two-hour ride on the back of an elephant has changed the life of a Swiss tourist. That night she married the elephant keeper, official radio reported.
Radio Thailand said Anouk Tschabold, 22, was smitten with the elephant keeper, or mahout , during a recent jungle ride in the northern province of Chiang Rai.
Tschabold was initially impressed by the politeness of Su-rang Ner-pae, also 22. Love blossomed as the ride progressed against a backdrop of mountains, the radio said.
That night they were married in a traditional Karen ceremony. Her husband is a member of this ethnic minority famed for its ability to catch, train and ride elephants.
The broadcast, a transcript of which was made available today, said the Swiss bride from Lausanne plans to give up her job in the computer field and live in Thailand.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.