The Kamphaeng Phet Traditional Longboat Race took place on June 24th and 25th, 2023, at the Sirichit Utthayan Park located by the Ping River in the capital district of Kamphaeng Phet province.
The Ping River, a historically significant waterway, records the stories, culture, and lifestyle of the Kamphaeng Phet residents. Their lives intertwined with the river led to the tradition of boat racing, a pastime during the rainy season. Kamphaeng Phet started organizing the Traditional Longboat Race to continue this long-standing tradition, attracting attention from racing teams both locally and from other provinces, resulting in a high number of participants.
The most recent Kamphaeng Phet Traditional Longboat Race, the second of its kind, took place a month ago, on June 25th and 26th, 2023. The event featured five categories: small longboats with 7 paddlers, small longboats with 12 paddlers, longboats with 30 paddlers, large longboats with 40 paddlers, and large longboats with 55 paddlers. The competition attracted competitors from all over the country, ensuring that throughout the week, the province buzzed with tourists. The event brought a significant boost to the local economy as visitors spent money in the area.