Domesticated

ELEPHANTS

An endangered species

A national animal 

A religious and cultural symbol

For generations, elephants have been symbols of pride and reverence in
Thai culture — celebrated for their strength, intelligence, and deep bond with
humans. However, over the last century, exploiting these creatures in the logging
and now the tourism industry, we humans have not been so kind to them.

Today, as calls for ethical treatment and sustainable care gain urgency,
Thailand’s elephant tourism industry stands at a crossroads.
Unspoken Souls captures this turning point with rare access and emotional
depth, offering a powerful glimpse into a sacred bond that must evolve.

SYNOPSIS

Life or Money – what comes first?

As fires rage and floods rise in Thailand, an elephant conservationist takes on an unlikely apprentice:

an ordinary college student responsible for his late father’s 55 elephants. Together, they try to save the majestic

beings his father once exploited in a circus — confronting a legacy of abuse, human greed, and each other.

In their intergenerational conflict, two visions collide: one rooted in principle, the other forged by survival.

OUR
PARTNERS

Executive Producer & Communication Partner

“ There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
– Maya Angelou  

Unspoken Souls is not just a documentary. It is our first frontline.
A story that aches to be heard. Not because it’s polished — but because it’s raw.
TBWA\Thailand will lend it what it needs most: Volume. Visibility. A voice that
can’t be ignored. Through the power of our network, our craft, our defiance –
we will bring this film to life. Not as charity. As a responsibility.

OUR
PARTNERS

Executive Producer & Communication Partner

“ There is no greater agony than bearingan untold story inside you.”

– Maya Angelou

Unspoken Souls is not just a documentary. It is our first frontline. A story that aches to be heard. Not because it’s polished — but because it’s raw. TBWA\Thailand will lend it what it needs most: Volume. Visibility. A voice that can’t be ignored. Through the power of our network, our craft, our defiance – we will bring this film to life. Not as charity. As a responsibility.

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man.
Just as one wants happiness and fears pain,
just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.

Dalai Lama XIV

Domesticated

ELEPHANT

An endangered species

A national animal 

A religious and cultural symbol

For generations, elephants have been symbols of pride and reverence in Thai culture — celebrated for their strength, intelligence, and deep bond with humans. However, over the last century, exploiting these creatures in the logging and now the tourism industry, we humans have not been so kind to them.

Today, as calls for ethical treatment and sustainable care gain urgency, Thailand’s elephant tourism industry stands at a crossroads. “UNSPOKEN SOULS” captures this turning point with rare access and emotional depth, offering a powerful glimpse into a sacred bond that must evolve.

SYNOPSIS

Life or Money – what comes first ?

As fires rage and floods rise in Thailand, an elephant conservationist takes on an unlikely apprentice: an ordinary college student responsible for his late father’s 55 elephants. Together, they try to save the majestic beings his father once exploited in a circus — confronting a legacy of abuse, human greed, and each other. In their intergenerational conflict, two visions collide: one rooted in principle, the other forged by survival.

OUR
PARTNERS

Executive Producer & Communication Partner

“ There is no greater agony than bearingan untold story inside you.”

– Maya Angelou

Unspoken Souls is not just a documentary. It is our first frontline. A story that aches to be heard. Not because it’s polished — but because it’s raw. TBWA\Thailand will lend it what it needs most: Volume. Visibility. A voice that can’t be ignored. Through the power of our network, our craft, our defiance – we will bring this film to life. Not as charity. As a responsibility.

Life is as dear to a mute creature
as it is to man.
Just as one wants happiness
and fears pain,
just as one wants to live and not die,
so do other creatures.

Dalai Lama XIV

CONTACT US

Domesticated
Elephants

Forest Keepers
Forced Workers

Once guardians of the forest, elephants shaped ecosystems — dispersing seeds and sustaining jungles. But their strength made them targets. Captured from the wild, they were trained into forced labour — carrying warriors and hauling timber to serve human ambition. In Thailand, the 1900’s logging boom forced them to destroy the very forests they once protected. By 1989, deforestation peaked. Logging was banned — leaving elephants displaced and dependent on humans.    

TODAY

Early 1900’s

Number of Domesticated elephants

5,400

100,000

Forests coverage in Thailand

30 %

70 %

Tourism : A New Role

With no home to return to, many elephants entered the tourism industry — giving rides, performing tricks, and posing for photos. Over time, the elephant tourism industry boomed, generating over $700 million annually and becoming a pillar of Thailand’s tourism. But as the spotlight grew, so did the questions: Are we profiting from them ? or protecting them ?  

The Crossroads We Face

Today, a new model is emerging: sanctuaries that focus on freedom, observation, and eco-tourism. The shift is already happening — led by tourists demanding ethical experiences, businesses embracing change, and people reimagining the human – elephant bond. “UNSPOKEN SOULS” bears witness to this turning point — capturing the passing of the conservation torch from one generation to the next.

Domesticated Elephants

Forest Keepers  Forced Workers

Once guardians of the forest, elephants shaped ecosystems — dispersing seeds and sustaining jungles. But their strength made them targets. Captured from the wild, they were trained into forced labour — carrying warriors and hauling timber to serve human ambition. In Thailand, the 1900’s logging boom forced them to destroy the very forests they once protected. By 1989, deforestation peaked. Logging was banned — leaving elephants displaced and dependent on humans.    

Number of Domesticated elephants

Early 1900’s
100,000

TODAY
5,400

Tourism : A New Role

With no home to return to, many elephants entered the tourism industry — giving rides, performing tricks, and posing for photos. Over time, the elephant tourism industry boomed, generating over $700 million annually and becoming a pillar of Thailand’s tourism. But as the spotlight grew, so did the questions: Are we profiting from them ? or protecting them ? 

Forests coverage in Thailand

Early 1900’s
30 %

TODAY
70 %

The Crossroads We Face

Today, a new model is emerging: sanctuaries that focus on freedom, observation, and eco-tourism. The shift is already happening — led by tourists demanding ethical experiences, businesses embracing change, and people reimagining the human – elephant bond. “UNSPOKEN SOULS” bears witness to this turning point — capturing the passing of the conservation torch from one generation to the next.

HOW
YOU CAN HELP

Help us screen this film around the world and for Thailand’s next generation through our educational tour in 2026. For international supporters, the website accepts credit cards and bank transfers.

You can also support our upcoming communication and impact campaign in late 2025 and early 2026. We’re always looking for people and organizations to help us make noise.

OUR
STORY

Unspoken Souls is the passion project of a Japanese filmmaker family who have been living in Chiang Mai —
the heart of Thailand’s elephant tourism — for over 20 years.

The project began in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown, when hundreds of domesticated elephants were
starving due to a lack of income. It was a national crisis — but a silent one, hidden behind the human world.

As filmmakers, animal and nature lovers, and people who consider Thailand our second home,
we asked ourselves: How can we help amplify their voices ?

Living just an hour from our protagonists, we embedded ourselves in their daily lives for four years —
filming not only the elephants’ plight, but also the raw, everyday struggles of the people who care for them.

OUR
STORY

Unspoken Souls is the passion project of a Japanese filmmaker family who have been living in Chiang Mai — the heart of Thailand’s elephant tourism — for over 20 years.

The project began in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown, when hundreds of domesticated elephants were starving due to a lack of income. It was a national crisis — but a silent one, hidden behind the human world.

As filmmakers, animal and nature lovers, and people who consider Thailand our second home, we asked ourselves: How can we help amplify their voices ?

Living just an hour from our protagonists, we embedded ourselves in their daily lives for four years — filming not only the elephants’ plight, but also the raw, everyday struggles of the people who care for them.

OUR
AIMS

Fundraise the total
project budget.

Screening our film in film festivals
in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Spark a conversation about the welfare
of Thailand’s elephants and reforestation
through a communication campaign.

Invite changemakers and the Thai
public to the Thai Premiere in 2026.

Organize educational screenings
for the Thai youth all over Thailand.

Work with civil society organizations
to resubmit the Thai Elephant Act.

THE
ELEPHANT
IN THE MOVIE

FAAMAI ( ENP )

The one who has never
known abuse

 

THONG AE ( ENP )

The one who survived street
begging and performing

JENNY ( ENP )

The one who was struck by
a car while begging

MAE PON ( ENP )

The one who was depressed
after losing her baby

Saifon / Apple ( ENP )

The one haunted by her scars

MAE THONG RUAY ( NEH )

The one who can no longer walk

NAM WAN ( NEH )

The one who was torn away from her mother

MAE NHAI ( NEH )

The one admired for her beauty

MAE SO ( NEH )

The one who gave birth to hope

CHOK DEE ( NEH )

The one who will grow up free from abuse

THE ELEPHANT
IN THE MOVIE

FAAMAI ( ENP )

The one who has never
known abuse

THONG AE ( ENP )

The one who survived street
begging and performing

JENNY ( ENP )

The one who was struck by
a car while begging

MAE PON ( ENP )

The one who was depressed
after losing her baby

Saifon / Apple ( ENP )

The one haunted by her scars

MAE THONG RUAY ( NEH )

The one who can no longer walk

NAM WAN ( NEH )

The one who was torn away from her mother

MAE NHAI ( NEH )

The one admired for her beauty

MAE SO ( NEH )

The one who gave birth to hope

CHOK DEE ( NEH )

The one who will grow up free from abuse

PROTAGONISTS
IN THE MOVIE

Mentor

Saengdeaun “Lek” Chailert

Apprentice

Chatchai “Niew” Srisiriwilai

OUR TEAM

KOH
OKUNO

Mieko
Saho

Yasuhiko
Okuno

Mayu
Hirano

Veradis
Vinyaratn

Worawin
Ratanasupawong

Karran
Chaengchenkit

Co-Director 

Co-Director

Producer

Producer

Executive Producer

Executive Producer

Executive Producer

OUR TEAM

KOH OKUNO

Co-Director 

Mieko Saho

Co-Director

Yasuhiko Okuno

Producer

Mayu Hirano

Producer

Veradis Vinyaratn

Executive Producer

Worawin  Ratanasupawong

Executive Producer

Karran  Chaengchenkit

Executive Producer

Faa Mai ( ENP )

6 years old ( Born April 17, 2009 )  FEMALE

Born at Elephant Nature Park (ENP), Faa Mai — meaning “New Sky” — has never known abuse. Raised with love by her elephant family and human mother Lek Chailert, she is known as the “Ambassador of ENP” welcoming new elephants with her friendliness. Faa Mai’s existence proves that trust can grow not through fear and force but through love and care.

FAA MAI  ( ENP )

6 years old
( Born April 17, 2009 )
FEMALE

Born at Elephant Nature Park (ENP), Faa Mai — meaning “New Sky” — has never known abuse. Raised with love by her elephant family and human mother Lek Chailert, she is known as the “Ambassador of ENP” welcoming new elephants with her friendliness. Faa Mai’s existence proves that trust can grow not through fear and force but through love and care.

Thong ae  ( ENP )

9 years old ( Born in 2016 )  FEMALE

Taken from her mother at just five months old, Thong Ae was forced to beg on the streets and later perform in a circus. Since her rescue by Lek in 2017, she has adopted her as a human mother — often seen chasing after her with love. In the film, their bond is clear when Thong Ae gently consoles Lek during a devastating flood.

Thong ae  ( ENP )

9 years old
( Born in 2016 )
FEMALE

Taken from her mother at just five months old, Thong Ae was forced to beg on the streets and later perform in a circus. Since her rescue by Lek in 2017, she has adopted her as a human mother — often seen chasing after her with love. In the film, their bond is clear when Thong Ae gently consoles Lek during a devastating flood.

JENNY  ( ENP )

21 years old ( Born in 2004 )  FEMALE

Once forced to beg on the streets in southern Thailand, Jenny was hit by a car and left traumatized. Rescued by Lek in 2017, she now gently watches over young Thong Ae and stays close to Faa Mai and Lucky, a blind elephant. Quiet and kind, Jenny was the first one to approach our crew — and for 4 years filming, formed a strong bond with our co-director.

Jenny  ( ENP )

21 years old
( Born in 2004 )
FEMALE

Once forced to beg on the streets in southern Thailand, Jenny was hit by a car and left traumatized. Rescued by Lek in 2017, she now gently watches over young Thong Ae and stays close to Faa Mai and Lucky, a blind elephant. Quiet and kind, Jenny was the first one to approach our crew — and for 4 years filming, formed a strong bond with our co-director.

Mae pon ( ENP )

44 years old ( Born in 1981 )  FEMALE

After being rescued with her baby Hansa by Lek, Mae Pon lost Hansa calf to a deadly virus. The grief nearly broke her. To help her heal, Lek moved her to Elephant Highlands — a quiet mountain refuge in Lek’s home village. There, surrounded by gentle companions, Mae Pon began to recover.
A tree planted in Hansa’s memory at ENP grows strong and appearing
in the film alongside two elephants as an “unspoken” symbol of life.

MAE PON  ( ENP )

44 years old
( Born in 1981 )
FEMALE

After being rescued with her baby Hansa by Lek, Mae Pon lost Hansa calf to a deadly virus. The grief nearly broke her. To help her heal, Lek moved her to Elephant Highlands — a quiet mountain refuge in Lek’s home village. There, surrounded by gentle companions, Mae Pon began to recover.
A tree planted in Hansa’s memory at ENP grows strong and appearing in the film alongside two elephants as an “unspoken” symbol of life.

Saifon / apple ( ENP )

22 years old ( Born in 2003 )  FEMALE

Once the star performer at Niew’s late father’s elephant camp, Saifon —
then called “Apple” — was forced to do tricks like riding tricycles and
handstands, all learned through harsh training from a young age.
When her owner, Niew, could no longer care for her, Lek brought her to
Elephant Nature Park to recover. Though she still shakes her head in
moments of distress, Saifon is slowly healing. In safety, she’s learning
she no longer has to perform — she can simply be an elephant.

Saifon / apple  ( ENP )

22 years old
( Born in 2003 )
FEMALE

Once the star performer at Niew’s late father’s elephant camp, Saifon — then called “Apple” — was forced to do tricks like riding tricycles and handstands, all learned through harsh training from a young age. When her owner, Niew, could no longer care for her, Lek brought her to Elephant Nature Park to recover. Though she still shakes her head in moments of distress, Saifon is slowly healing. In safety, she’s learning she no longer has to perform — she can simply be an elephant.

Mae Thong ruay ( NEH )

42 years old  ( 1981 ~ 2023 )   FEMALE

Once a riding elephant, Mae Thong Ruay tasted freedom for less than a year.
After a fight with another elephant, she suffered a devastating leg injury.
Bedridden and in pain, she was cared for by Niew, Lek, and the vet team from
Elephant Nature Park, who did everything they could to save her.
Her quiet suffering in the film “UNSPOKEN SOULS”  leaves us with a haunting
question: What does it truly mean to value life ?

Mae Thong ruay  ( NEH )

42 years old
( 1981 ~ 2023 )
FEMALE

Once a riding elephant, Mae Thong Ruay tasted freedom for less than a year.
After a fight with another elephant, she suffered a devastating leg injury.
Bedridden and in pain, she was cared for by Niew, Lek, and the vet team from Elephant Nature Park, who did everything they could to save her. Her quiet suffering in the film “UNSPOKEN SOULS”  leaves us with a haunting question: What does it truly mean to value life?

NAM WAN ( NEH )

7 years old ( Born on Aug 7, 2018 )   FEMALE

Nam Wan, a bright and gentle young elephant, was torn from her mother and young sister when an inheritance dispute of Niew’s big family split them apart. While her loved ones were forced back into riding and circus shows, Nam Wan stays with Niew’s elephants. Despite her heartbreak, she now cares for baby Chok Dee at New Elephant Home — showing how elephants heal each other’s hearts among their heard.

Nam wan  ( neh )

7 years old
( Born on Aug 7, 2018 )
FEMALE

Nam Wan, a bright and gentle young elephant, was torn from her mother and young sister when an inheritance dispute of Niew’s big family split them apart. While her loved ones were forced back into riding and circus shows, Nam Wan stays with Niew’s elephants. Despite her heartbreak, she now cares for baby Chok Dee at New Elephant Home — showing how elephants heal each other’s hearts among their heard.

Mae nhai ( NEH )

34 years old ( Born in 1991 )  FEMALE

Mae Nhai once carried tourists under Niew’s late father’s management. Many believe her to be one of the most beautiful elephants — with her big head, wide ears, and black and pink skin pigmentation. But what makes her truly special is her deep bond with Mo Ngue, her constant companion. In the film, their unbreakable friendship reminds us: elephants are not just strong — they are deeply social, emotional beings. 

MAE NHAI  ( NEH )

34 years old
( Born in 1991 )
FEMALE

Mae Nhai once carried tourists under Niew’s late father’s management. Many believe her to be one of the most beautiful elephants — with her big head, wide ears, and black and pink skin pigmentation. But what makes her truly special is her deep bond with Mo Ngue, her constant companion. In the film, their unbreakable friendship reminds us: elephants are not just strong — they are deeply social, emotional beings.

MAE SO ( NEH )

35 years old ( Born in 1990 )  FEMALE

Mae So was taken from her home and forced into tourist rides by Niew’s late father. Her heart broke when her baby boy, Bua Tung,was taken from her and forced to work for a circus show where he endured cruel training. In our film, Mae So’s painful past meets a moment of hope as she gives dramatic birth to Chok Dee — a symbol of fragile new beginnings.

Mae so  ( NEH )

35 years old
( Born in 1990 )
FEMALE

Mae So was taken from her home and forced into tourist rides by Niew’s late father. Her heart broke when her baby boy, Bua Tung, was taken from her and forced to work for a circus show where he endured cruel training. In our film, Mae So’s painful past meets a moment of hope as she gives dramatic birth to Chok Dee — a symbol of fragile new beginnings.

Chok dee ( NEH )

1 year old ( Born on December 7, 2023 )   FEMALE

After a long, tense labor, Chok Dee was born breathless. But thanks to the swift efforts of Niew’s elephant keepers, she took her first breath — and her place in the herd. Playful and adored, Chok Dee is the first elephant at Niew’s New Elephant Home to grow up free from abuse, by her mother’s side and young nanny Nam Wan. She embodies a future of compassion, and the fragile hope of a better world. 

Chok dee  ( NEH )

1 years old
( Born on December 7, 2023 )
FEMALE

After a long, tense labor, Chok Dee was born breathless. But thanks to the swift efforts of Niew’s elephant keepers, she took her first breath — and her place in the herd. Playful and adored, Chok Dee is the first elephant at Niew’s New Elephant Home to grow up free from abuse, by her mother’s side and young nanny Nam Wan. She embodies a future of compassion, and the fragile hope of a better world. 

Saengdeaun “Lek” Chailert

Founder of  “ Elephant Nature Park

Born in a Khmu ethnic people’s village in Northern Thailand,
Lek was raised with the wisdom of her shaman grandfather and
a deep love for nature and animals. That childhood shaped her
lifelong mission: to protect elephants from suffering. For decades,
she’s stood on the frontlines, challenging a system built on abusive
exploitation. She founded Asia’s first and largest elephant sanctuary,
a place where the broken come to heal, and dignity is slowly restored.

Saengdeaun “Lek” Chailert

Founder of
“Elephant Nature Park”

Born in a Khmu ethnic people’s village in Northern Thailand, Lek was raised with the wisdom of her shaman grandfather and a deep love for nature and animals. That childhood shaped her lifelong mission: to protect elephants from suffering. For decades, she’s stood on the frontlines, challenging a system built on abusive exploitation. She founded Asia’s first and largest elephant sanctuary, a place where the broken come to heal, and dignity is slowly restored.

Chatchai “Niew” Srisiriwilai

Owner of  “ New Elephant Home ”

Niew grew up in a fractured family shaped by his late father’s elephant –
riding empire. When his father died, a bitter inheritance battle broke out
over the expensive elephants. Everyone wanted the profit — but no one
wanted the burden. No one, except Niew. Dropping out of his college,
he embarked on a journey to care for all 55 elephants and with Lek as
his mentor, he chose a new path: one of compassion and responsibility.

Chatchai “Niew” Srisiriwilai

Owner of “New Elephant Home”

Niew grew up in a fractured family shaped by his late father’s elephant – riding empire. When his father died, a bitter inheritance battle broke out over the expensive elephants. Everyone wanted the profit — but no one wanted the burden. No one, except Niew. Dropping out of his college, he embarked on a journey to care for all 55 elephants and with Lek as his mentor, he chose a new path: one of compassion and responsibility.

KOH OKUNO

Co-Director & CO-PRODUCER

Born in Japan, raised in Thailand, and educated in the Netherlands, Koh is a multicultural storyteller with a background in economics and philosophy.

After working in media companies in Amsterdam and Brussels, he returned to Thailand to help his family direct and produce Unspoken Souls — not only his first feature, but his first film ever.

Through this intergenerational story of conservation, he asks a pressing question to his generation: will we choose to protect our own future?

Mieko Saho 

Co-Director & CO-PRODUCER

Mieko is an author and film director with 25 years of experience in interviewing, writing, and creative direction. Her work explores powerful human stories, from South African women under Apartheid to a Japanese mother raising HIV-positive children in Thailand.

Passionate about exploring nature, animals, and diverse cultures, she has led the documentary project “UNSPOKEN SOULS” since 2021. Over four years of filming, she formed a deep bond with an elephant named “Jenny” at  Elephant Nature Park.

OKUNO YASUHIKO

Cinematographer & CO-PRODECER
Managing Director of K.M.Tomyam Film

Cinematographer 
CO-PRODECER
Managing Director of K.M.Tomyam Film

Yasuhiko is the lead cinematographer of Unspoken Souls, a project he created with his partner and long-time collaborator, Mieko.

A photographer by training, Yasuhiko covered various social issues in South Korea, South Africa, and Japan over his 40 – year career.

In 2004, he moved to Thailand and founded K.M.Tomyam Co., Ltd., shifting into filmmaking. He has since produced cultural programs and directed documentaries for NHK World.

MAYU HIRANO

Co-Producer

An award-winning producer who has made countless documentaries for NHK, Mayu is also a committee member of TOKYO DOCS. She runs her own production house,
Ritornello Films.

veradis vinyaratn

Chief Executive Producer 
Chairman & CCO TBWA\Thailand 

Economics major turned writer turned Creative. Over 30 years in advertising roller coasting between highs of award – winning ideas to the lows of client revisions at 2am.

Loves cycling, snowboarding and now riding into a whole new frontier of Executive Producer. Why not.

Worawin Ratanasupawong

Executive Producer 
Deputy Chief Strategic Officer at TBWA\Thailand

A forward-thinking Strategist with deep roots in marketing and advertising, currently shaping strategy at TBWA\Thailand while lecturing at Thailand’s leading universities.

Passionate about bridging academia and the real world by turning conceptual idea into practical impact. Known for connecting cultural nuance into powerful human truths that drive brand relevance and business results. Now, it’s time to help drive the world forward.

Karran  Chaengchenkit

Executive Producer 

A Corporate representative and F&B industry specialist with strong knowledge of the consumer insights, beverage sector and market trends.

Skilled in improving operation and supporting business growth.

Love food and travel.