While the winner of other traditional Thai long-boat races held nationwide is decided by the team that crosses the finishing line first, contestants in the Chumphon traditional boat races face an additional challenge. In addition to speed, to be declared the winner of the Chumphon boat race, a member of the crew climbs up the bow and reaches for the marker flag.

The traditional boats used in the Chumphon boat races are hand-crafted vessels dug-out from the trunk of a single tree. The Takien (Hopea) is the tree of choice. Although it is a hardwood tree, the trunk is buoyant. It is also water-resistant. The vessels are stream-lined with a broad bow (‘khon ruea’ in Thai) tapering into a narrow stern that ends in a scorpion-like tail. The bow is made from light-weight wood from a jackfruit tree. The vessel is crafted to ensure maximum speed. The bow of the craft cuts through the water with least resistance.

The Chumphon traditional boat race is an annual event held at the end of the Buddhist Lent in October. Prior to the boat races being held, Tak Baht Devo Buddhist merit-making rituals are conducted to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent. Activities include the presentation of merit-making offerings such as offerings of food, incense sticks, candles and monk’s robes, followed by land-borne and water-borne processions, contests that draw attention to the various aspects of the hand-crafted traditional long-boats such as the design and decoration of the vessels, and cheerleading contests.

In 2008, the Chumphon boat races are being held during 15-19 October with the final boat races being held during 17-19 October. The boat races held on 19 October will be broadcasted live nationwide on Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS or Thai PBS), one of the public television stations in Thailand, from 14.00 – 16.00 hours.

Contact information:
TAT Chumphon
Sai 41 Road, Tambon Wisantai, Amphoe Sawi, Chumphon 86130 (Temporary Office)
Tel: +66 (0) 7755 6190-1
Fax: +66 (0) 7755 6191
E-mail: tatchumphon@tat.or.th