Mr. Weera Sriwattanatrakul, Provincial Governor opened this Annual Event which was organised in cooperation with the Hua Hin Municipality, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul the Mayor of Hua Hin Hua Hin and the Chief Executive Commander of the Provincial Police Region. This is the 6th Annual event and on the final day (26th September) many spectators including tourists lined the shores of the reservoir to cheer on the competitors. From the official program the boats are called ‘Traditional Long Boats’ however they may also be known as ‘Long Tail Boats’. The main trophy is the ‘King’s Cup’ for crews of 55 paddlers.
A fleet of five ceremonial boats provided a colourful welcoming feature and ‘escort’ for the racing boats. These boats show some of the cultural heritage of the Event. Crews represented most of the Provinces of Thailand. It is well known that water and Thai people are inseparable and long tail boat racing is embedded in Thai traditions. It also depicts the way of life of Thai rural community located next to rivers.
The Long Boats have crews which vary from 55 paddlers to 30, 23, 7 or 2 rowers. The two person crew event was a novelty event with the forward paddler being ‘deaf’ and the rear paddler is ‘blind’. Hard to get the direction right with that combination!
Trophy Winners
HM. The King’s Cup for large boat (55) category Jao Maepradootong’ – Chonburi
HM. The Queen’s Cup for medium boat (30) category ‘Chalawansing Leo’ – Phichit
HRH. Sirindhorn’s Cup for small boat (23)category ‘Chardmungorn’ – Petchaburi
HRH Chulabhorn’s Cup seven paddlers ‘ ‘Khau Tao Community (1)’ – Prachuap Khiri Khan
