19th Thailand International Swan Boat Races and Long Boat Race Championship Thailand
9 - 10 September 2006 - Chao Phraya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya Province

Celebrating its nineteenth year in 2006, the Thailand International Swan Boat Races and Long Boat Race Championships Thailand will be held on the section of the Chao Phraya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

Highlights
The International Swan Boat Race - 22 paddlers The race features 16 international teams with representation from Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and from as far away as Australia and the United States, and host country Thailand.
The contest consists of eight teams from the various provinces around Thailand known for their prowess in traditional long-boat races.
Powered by 55 paddlers, the race between Theppaitoon from Phitsanuloke, Sornsuwan from Ang Thong, Chao Mae Pradoothong from Chonburi, Chao Mae Langsuan from Chumphon, Thepnorasingh 88 from Ayutthaya, Sriyanont from Nakhon Pathom, Thepsongsang from Pathum Thani and Saoduangkaeow from Singhaburi.

Urged on by cheering crowds, the day at the boat-races is as much a colourful spectacle to watch. Between the races, there's time for a leisurely stroll around the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre. (Admission is free)

BOAT FEVER - The Thrill Of The Race. Boat racing has been a part of Thai culture for centuries, and regattas are held in various parts of the country. As the end of the Buddhist 'rains retreat' approaches in October, boat races are held throughout the Kingdom with increasing frequency right through to November.
Most of these traditional long boat races originated as festivities that accompanied an ancient ritual called the "Tawt Kathin" which itself evolved from the Royal Kathin - a ritual in which the king made an annual visit to the Royal temples to present offerings of monk robes to the Royal temples.
Historical chronicles dating back to 1863 offer accounts of the Royal Kathin. "All the temples in Bangkok and in the suburbs which have been made or dedicated to the King, expect a splendid visit from His Majesty sometime between the middle of the 11th and 12th moons. This is the season appointed by the most ancient and sacred customs, for the Priests to seek their apparel for the coming year. In conformity with these customs, the King, taking a princely offering of Priest's apparel with him, visits the temples".
Subsequently the practice became more widespread in riverine communities and long boats were used to convey Buddha images in water-borne processions during the kathin ceremony.
In the southern provinces, the Korlae and long boat races have been organized annually in Narathiwat Province since 1976 in honour of Their Majesties the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family during their visits to the South.
These colourful boat races are now one of the main attractions of the province. With the increasing popularity of boat racing as an international sport, the status of many of Thailand's local boat races have been elevated. They now take the form of international competitions with world-class teams participating. The best known of these being the highly prestigious "Phuket King's Cup Regatta", an event where the world's finest sailors vie for the "King's Cup".

Long boats were traditionally built for carrying Buddha images in water-borne processions during the kathin (merit-making) ceremony. However, they are also designed for racing. Victory brought fame tothe village or temple that owned the boat. The boats thus have a long and sleek appearance.
The long boats are usually made by hollowing out a tree trunk. Wooden planks were added as seats for the oarsmen. Before each race, the boat is repainted, with the bow and stern decorated to resemble a lion or other creatures. The outside of the boat is also waxed to reduce drag and increase the ease with which the vessel glides through the water.
A long boat has a crew ranging from three to thirty persons, sometimes more. Depending on the occasion, the crew may consist of all males, all females, or a mixed crew. The owner of the boat carefully selects his crew and training often begins months before a race. Each oarsman is given a permanent position on the boat, opposite another of similar physical attributes. The oarsmen manning the bow and stern are carefully chosen for they are responsible for steering the boat through the water. Victory or defeat in a race depends entirely on their dexterity and judgment.