Boat race between Laos and Thailand in Nakhon Phanom

NAKHON PHANOM, Oct 4 (TNA) - A two-day long-tailed boat race between Thailand and its neighbour Laos is being held along the Mekong River in a Thai border village of Nakhon Phanom province with an aim to strengthen relations between the two countries. The traditional annual event, started Saturday with the opening presided over by Nakhon Phanom governor Somchai Witdamrong. Besides strengthening relations between the two neighbouring countries, the traditional event is organised to boost tourism and to bolster trade and investment. Two categories of long-tailed boat race are organised. In the large long tailed boat category, the winners receive a trophy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn plus 30,000 baht in cash.A total of 16 boats are competing in this class. The winners of the small long tailed boat category receive 25,000 baht in cash. (TNA)