Phichit Long Boat Races and King’s Cup
By Garry | September 1st, 2010 | Category: Regional Events & Festivals | No Comments »
Traditionally held during the peak of the mid-year wet season when rivers are at their fullest, Thai traditional long boat racing is an emotion-charged, exciting, and spectacular competition to watch. Opening the long-boat racing season, the first major event is normally at Phichit, which has long been a Royal event similar to the UK’s Henley Regatta.
Held annually at Wat Tha Luang, Phichit City, in Phichit Province, usually during the first week of September, this event was the first type of boat racing held in Thailand. This year (2010) they were held on the 4th and 5th of the month.
The Phichit Long Boat Races have been part of Thai culture since 1907, and take place on the Nan River in front of the Wat Tha Luang temple. Traditionally, the winning boat gets a “Royal Trophy” from the King himself. Adding a special twist to the racing in this town at the northern edge of the Central Plains is that is known as “the land of the crocodiles”, Phichit is home to this reptile, which has thrived in its waters. There are today several fresh-water crocodile farms there. A scary thought when you are barrelling along in a canoe with only inches of freeboard above water.
On average, forty traditional boats compete in different categories based on number of crew – less than 30, 31-40, and 41-55 paddlers. It is described as a grand and enjoyable event, with an atmosphere similar to the UK’s Oxford-Cambridge boat race. Amongst the pageantry, visitors will see a procession of the Royal Trophy, a simulation of the Royal Barge Procession, and races of the various traditional long boats.
Many food stalls and locally produced products are for sale. While you enjoy watching the cheerleader squads of the boat teams, sales of products from the farmers and housewives groups, as well as sales of OTOP products surround you to satisfy any hunger; stalls selling guava, tamarind sweets, and local handicrafts keep spectators occupied.
During the boat race weekend, visitors can enjoy a speciality of Phichit Province, Khao Mao Thort (fried shredded rice).
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Contact information:
Phichit Annual Boat Race
TAT Northern Office – Region 4
Areas of responsibility: Tak, Pichit and Kamphaeng Phet
Tel: +66 (0) 55 514341 – 3
Fax: +66 (0)55 514344
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