Kite flying is a popular world sport that has evolved over the decades. The use of modern materials and new technology has led to the emergence of bigger kites with more impressive structures. These new developments have made it possible to create a great variety of forms and structures and given rise to new methods of flying kites, all of which combine to create an awesome spectacle for the audience.

During the March 13-14 weekend, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with Phetchaburi province, Naresuan Camp, The Rama VI Camp (or Phra Ram VI Camp) the Thai Sports World under Royal Patronage, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand Kite Fliers Association, and Sanook Sky Kite Flyer Club will be staging the 11th Thailand International Kite Festival in the Cha–am district of Phetchaburi province.

With each subsequent year, the Thailand International Kite Festival attracts an ever-growing number of devoted kite fans, participants and spectators, from all over Thailand as well as from countries around the region, and beyond.

The colourful kite festival thus presents a golden opportunity for visitors to savour the international flavour of kite culture in a single trip. The event is being presented under the “Summer Music and Sport Festival” theme as part of the “Thailand Grand Festival” campaign.

Australia	Cambodia	China	Malaysia	Myanmar
Singapore	Sweden	Thailand	USA

	Over 100 international kites 100 dedicated kite fliers from more than 20 countries such as Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, England, France, Ghana, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vietnam, will be participating in the event.
	A colourful display of fancy kites such as the world’s largest Panda Kites – a first for Thailand, Teddy Bear Kite, Shark Kite, Flying Box Kite, Cupid Kite, Octopus Kite, Squid Kite, Frogs Kites, Turtles Kite, Cuddly monsters kite, Huge Dragon Kite, Tigers Kite, Road Signs Kite, Multi-box kite, Rokoku Kite, Spinning Bolts Kite, Spiky Bouncers kite, Revolution Kites, American Traditional Folk Art Kite, Giant Window Kite, Delta Fleet Giant Angel Kite, etc.
	Space-age technology flown with traditional know-how
	Make & Fly” kite workshops for kids
	Thai Kites featuring an exhibition and live demonstrations in flying traditional Thai kites of the four regions of the country, including a demonstration of the ancient art of Chula-Pakpao kite fighting
	The Biggest Foldable Chula kite show
	The Highest Flying competition
	Stunt Kite show
	Kite Street Market
	Night Flying show
	Kite and science Activities for kids by Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) (GISTDA)
	Radio-controlled model airplane show
	Parachuting show
	Balloon Show (Night Glow)
	A visit to Mrigadayavan Palace
	A visit to the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park
	Food and handicraft booths

The schedule is subject to change, please contact the TAT Call Center 1672 or 02-250-5500 ext 3475-78 prior to making travel plans.

The History of Kite-Flying
It is believed that the invention of the kite, which dates back to 400 BC, was both for pleasure as well as for its practical function. According to one ancient chronicle, a Chinese engineer named Kungshu Pan (Lu Ban) built a wooden bird, which could fly in the sky for three days. Could it be that it was designed to scare away other birds? Whatever the answer to this question might be, this was in all probability the world’s first kite.

Kite flying has long been a popular sport among royalty as well as ordinary folk since the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. However, ancient rules and regulations issued by the Royal Household forbade the flying of kites over the palace.

The famous traditional Thai Chula-Pakpao kites were created during the Ayutthaya period and this tradition of staging kite-flying competitions continued right through to the Rattanakosin period.

King Rama ll was said to be very fond the sport and engaged in a healthy contest of the Chula kite fight against the Pakpao kite flown by his brother. Given its shape, the Chula was designated the male kite, while the Pakpao, the female. This mirrored Thai social values of the time according to which males dominated females.

Kite flying was also a popular sport during the reign of King Rama IV, with kite flying taking place at Sanam Luang. A kite flying competition was also held at Dusit Palace in 1856, during which King Rama IV presided over the event himself.

During the reign of King Rama VI, kite flying was restored as a sport and Phraya Phirom Phakdi organized a kite flying competition at Sanam Luang. After World War II, the Siam Sport Club held an annual kite flying competition.

TAT hosted the first Thailand International Kite Festival in 1989. Since then, the national tourism organization has continued to stage the event in several different arenas such as, along the Pattaya beachfront in Chon Buri province, within the grounds of the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, Mueang Thong Thani Sports Complex in Nonthaburi, at the 16th Infantry, Suriyothai Camp in Prachup Khiri Khan, and the Rama VI Camp in Phetchaburi.

THE KITE-FLYING SEASON IN THAILAND
Please click to view

Contact information:
TAT Call Centre: 1672
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250-5500 ext. 3475-78

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phetchburi Office
Tel: 032-471005-6