Surin Province Welcomes Asian Games Hero With Nine-Elephant Parade
Surin province celebrated the return of Asian Games double gold medalist sprinter Phuriplu Bunson with a parade of nine elephants and a crowd of enthusiastic locals. The October 19 event included cultural performances, award presentations, and cash rewards for the athlete and his fellow provincial competitors. Phuriplu, who broke Asian Games records in the 100‑ and 200‑meter sprints, expressed pride and gratitude for the home‑town welcome.
On October 19, 2024, Surin province organized a grand welcome for Asian Games champion sprinter Phuriplu Bunson and twelve fellow athletes from the province. The highlight was a parade of nine elephants that carried the athletes through the city streets, starting at the Mueang Surin district office and ending at the 80th Anniversary Royal Pavilion garden. Along the route, residents lined the streets, waving and cheering, expressing pride in their hometown heroes. The official ceremony at the garden featured Thai boxing demonstrations, video tributes, award presentations, and cash prizes: 200,000 baht for Phuriplu, 100,000 baht for silver medalist Bel Jiraphatchar Khanontaa, and 20,000 baht for each of the other participating athletes. Phuriplu, who won gold in the 100‑meter and 200‑meter sprints and set Asian Games records, thanked his supporters and said seeing the elephant parade made him feel proud and excited.
