Dozens of buffaloes with full ploughing equipment and a driver rush along a mud track as fast as they can. This is how the Thai province of Chonburi traditionally celebrates the beginning of the rice growing season.
More than 50 animals participate in the race in pairs. The distance is 200 meters. Before the competition, you need to take good care of the buffaloes. They must have plenty of water and good grass. They need to be fed and trained before the race. It is also important to ensure that the buffaloes do not overheat.
In the Napa region, 80 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, this event is held annually.
Hundreds of spectators come to watch. Many are already well aware of the patterns of such competitions and place bets.
Buffaloes have been used in agriculture in Thailand for several centuries. However, now they are increasingly being replaced by automated means.
