Long boat race in Saraburi

SARABURI, Sept 25 (TNA) - Saraburi province hosts the traditional long boat racing with champions from many provinces are competing for the royal trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The two-day event, which started yesterday, is held at the Pasak River. Charat Bunnasa, Deputy provincial governor of Saraburi has presided over the 26th competition. The race are divided into three categories by the number of peddlers, which are long boat with 55 and 40 paddlers and small boat with no more than 30 peddlers. Many tourists enjoy cheering this joyful event, with narration from skilled commentators. This traditional boat race was held since the Ayutthaya Era but was once suspended as the lifestyle of the local people changed. However, it was revived on the occasion of 200 years of the Rattanakosin Era in 1982. (TNA)