Government Fully Supports "Buffalo Racing - Plowing Buffaloes" to Promote Thai Tourism

The government is fully supporting the "Buffalo Racing - Plowing Buffaloes" competition organized by the Association for the Conservation of Local Buffalo Racing in the central provinces  (Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and Suphanburi) to become a tourist attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

"Buffalo Racing - Plowing Buffaloes" has long been a cherished Thai tradition, deeply connected to the country's rice farming culture. The government places great importance on and actively promotes buffalo racing, not only to boost tourism but also to preserve local culture. This attracts tourists to witness the skills and dedication of the participants, enjoy the excitement and fun of this traditional sport, and experience the warm and friendly atmosphere of the local communities. Additionally, tourists can savor local cuisine and engage in a variety of local activities, making their visit a unique experience.

The government emphasizes the importance of ensuring that buffalo racing competitions adhere to relevant regulations and laws concerning public order and national security. It is also considering amending ministerial regulations to extend the playtime from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM the following day.  It is important to note that this activity is not classified as gambling;  it falls under Category B of the Ministry of Interior's announcement, allowing for state-approved gambling activities under specific conditions.

To ensure safety, all parties involved are encouraged to strictly adhere to the established measures. This not only preserves and promotes this traditional Thai custom but also encourages tourism. Furthermore, tourists can conveniently travel via Phetchaburi-Hua Hin Airport, which currently only has flights from Chiang Mai. In the future, flights from Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore will also be available, increasing the opportunities for tourists to visit and experience this local cultural tradition.

Additional Information: Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister