Suwanna helped us to set up the ecotourism
community. We elected a management team, and
I became the leader of the forest rangers. I still live
and work in the forest, but I no longer set traps and
fires: I remove traps; I put out fires.
Every year, more visitors come to Chi Phat to enjoy
our mountains, streams, forests and wildlife. Now,
250 villagers are guesthouse owners, guides, cooks,
boat drivers, bicycle mechanics, waste collectors,
or rangers like me. We all still earn a little income
from farming and fishing, but now, when times are
hard, or our children are sick, we have an income,
and no longer need to go to the forest.
I no longer fear Neak Ta. I am his ally to save the forest. I
am still afraid of elephants. Deep in the forest, we hear them,
and we see them. When they come close to our camp at
nighttime, the ground trembles, and we shake with fear. I miss
my father’s magic hat. Truly, I am the elephants’ friend, but I
fear the elephants forget this.
These days, my future is bright. My children are healthy, and
go to school. I can look after my parents. Life is not easy, but I
am hopeful. Maybe my parents chose my name wisely after all