Thai rowers rule at 10th Pattaya Longboat Races

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Thai rowers beat out Vietnam and Laos to win the 10th Pattaya International Longboat competition at Mabprachan Reservoir last month.

Teams from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, Macao, Myanmar, Taiwan and Vietnam took part in the Nov. 20-21 festival, which saw large crowds of locals and tourists cheer for boats carrying as many as 55 paddlers.

International long boat racing on Lake Mabprachan, Sunday, Nov. 21 International long boat racing on Lake Mabprachan, Sunday, Nov. 21

In the feature international race, the Thai crew took home a cash prize of 50,000 baht with second place Vietnam winning 30,000 baht and the third place Laotians taking home 20,000 baht.

In other categories, the Akaranava, manned by a team from Samut Sakhon won the large boat (55 paddlers) race.  Along with the HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy, the team won 100,000 baht.  The Thep Norasing 88 from Saraburi placed second, winning 50,000 baht, and the Chao Mae Pradoo Thong from Angthong won the 30,000 baht third place trophy.

In the race among smaller boats with up to 30 rowers, Petchaburi’s Sao Muang Pet won the HRH Princess Soamsawalee trophy and 50,000 baht.  Second place went to the Theprathanporn from Nakhon Pathom and third to the Khon Suoy Muang Pet from Petchaburi.

In addition to boat races, crowds enjoyed a drum competition and Takraw Lot Huang exhibition.

A large crowd gathered on the banks of the lake to watch the actionA large crowd gathered on the banks of the lake to watch the action