CHONBURI, July 24 (Reuters) – Thai farmers raced their water buffaloes at a muddy annual race on Sunday to mark the start of the brand new rice rising season in the beginning of the monsoon climate, in a convention courting again to the 1800s which celebrates the beasts of burden.
Scores of spectators watched the racing on a 200 meter-long filth observe within the seaside province of Chonburi, some 80 km (50 miles) southeast of the capital, Bangkok.
The race, which typically takes place on the finish of the monsoon, was paused through the coronavirus pandemic however returned final 12 months.
Most Thai farmers not use water buffalo for farming however many are nonetheless eager to maintain the animals.
“At the moment, it would not matter for for me if I win or lose. I needed to protect this custom,” mentioned Somchai Kamchab, 58, who owns a buffalo competing within the race.
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Reporting by Vorasit Satienlerk and Panu Wongcha-um, Modifying by Alexandra Hudson
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