A FIGHTING CHANCE
Pinyo Thipsukhum is an avid fowl enthusiast who seeks to protect and spread a rare breed for companionship and not for gaming purposes
Story by CHOMPOO TRAKULLERTSATHIEN
Photos by SUCHADA HONGSA
As a big party was held at Pinyo Thipsukhum's house several decades ago, something terrible happened to Pinyo and his best friend. Yet, such a shocking event inspired Pinyo to save a lineage of his feathered friend that was teetering to the edge of extinction.
His mission is now complete. A Nakhon Si Thammarat native, Pinyo successfully preserved a local variety of fighting cock known as kai chon pak tai. Indigenous to the southern part of the country, this breed is famous for its robust structure, fighting spirit and beautiful feathers. They are sought after by many fanatics who are looking for the majestic and unyielding species of a fighting cock, and Pinyo is their answer.
Currently, Pinyo shares his home with some 500 pure-bred kai chon pak tai. His verdant farm, which is situated at Sam Khok district in Pathum Thani province, is dotted with colourful shades of his feathered friends. Some of the roosters forage for food beneath the cool canopy of mango trees, while others stand majestically on their coop, crowing resoundingly to show their coloratura skill. And when their master turns up, they flap their wings vigorously to greet him.
''When they're happy they will flap their wings up and down. When they are depressed they will be inactive, normally when I don't play with them much.''
Though surrounded by a legion of fowls, Pinyo has never forgotten ''Lai'', his first pet and friend. Pinyo even seemed upset while talking about his dearest pet's tragic and unexpected end.
''Lai was killed by my relative, who wanted to cook a special menu for his guests. I was not home at the time. When I heard of what had happened to Lai, I was so angry at my relative. I cried profusely and felt so sorry for my friend since I wasn't there to protect him. Lai is a beautiful white chicken belonging to a rare breed,'' he added.
Since then, Pinyo has adopted other fowls, which are native to his hometown. Pinyo visited several farms across the country in quest of a rare breed known as kai chon pak tai, and once found, began to breed in an attempt to proliferate the species into different parts of Thailand.
''Several decades ago our local cock has been cross-bred with foreign species. I am not against such breeding schemes. But before creating more varieties of a fighting cock, we should preserve our pedigree breed first. If we allow the cross-breeding project to launch randomly nationwide, we will not be able to preserve the pure breed,'' he explained.
The death of Lai prompted Pinyo to think differently when it came to raising fighting cocks. While some rear chicken for food or for fighting purposes, Pinyo keeps them as his friends. ''I have never ever eaten my chickens and I won't ever do that. Besides, I have never taken my chickens to compete in any fighting matches. But yes, I am well aware that by nature, a fighting cock must fight with other chickens and is born that way. But I couldn't stand to see any of my chickens get injured. What I want to do is to preserve the purebred, and expand breeding schemes to other farms to make sure that the species will be part of our national legacy,'' he added.
In addition, Pinyo would like to drive home the message that a fighting cock must be a part of Thai society, and not merely for gambling and entertainment purposes. They should also be treasured in other aspects, particularly in the spiritual sense.
''Currently, many retired people become interested in keeping a fighting cock as their pet. It can bring them much pleasure and create a relaxing experience since it's not too complicated or demanding to take care of a fowl. Besides, owners of cock fighting fowls will be awakened by a natural alarm clock every day. We rarely hear the natural sounds of the environment,'' he said.
According to Pinyo, there are 10 varieties of Siamese fighting cocks prevalent in different parts of the country. As for kai chon pak tai, it is more noticeable than other types. It has long, thick and glossy feathers with hard wing plumage. It has a fierce-looking face with somewhat small eyes. Its beak is bigger than other breeds. Its long and pointed neck line makes the species even more remarkable.
So far, the species is born in three distinct colours including red, bright yellow and dark brown. Pinyo is now on a new mission: To breed another rare type of kai chon pak tai called kai krao, a chicken with a feathered beard.
''This species is now on the verge of extinction. I travelled to many parts of the country in a bid to seek this breed. Luckily, I found it in Nakhon Pathom province. I plan to reproduce and restore it into the local scene,'' he said.
Pinyo's life has revolved around fighting cocks since he was a boy _ his father was a chicken admirer _ and a fighting cock helped strengthen a relationship between Pinyo and his father. He also learned many things about his feathered friends from his father.
''The first animal I saw was a fighting cock. While other children my age liked to hang around and play games, I would sneak out from the group and play with my chickens instead. A fighting cock is a very beautiful and majestic animal. I enjoy touching its clean, soft and shiny feathers. It's a confident and independent character, which impresses me,'' he said.
Pinyo holds numerous positions in the fighting cock arena, including chairman of Southern Fighting Cock Development and Conservation Club, executive committee of Siamese Fighting Cock Association and honorary adviser of Siamese Fighting Cock Breeding Association. He also writes books about Siamese fighting cocks including Sien Kai Chon (A Fighting Cock Connoisseur) and Sanam Kai Chon (A Fighting Cock Ground).
Through his tenure in these associations, he is aware of the sensitivity regarding cockfighting, and has helped to introduce regulations to make it a legitimate sport.
''All of the fighting cocks have to have their spurs covered. The number of rounds in a bout has been reduced, as has the length of each round, and no fighting is allowed on any Buddhist holy day.''
Asked what he has learned from his fowls, Pinyo grins and admits that his chickens are his mentors.
''Chickens teach me about life. When it crows in the morning, it teaches me about responsibility. It has never failed to do its job by telling people it's morning time. All day long, it will forage for food. It is a very diligent animal. In this digital world, we are separated from animals. We are trapped in a lifeless world. We should spend more time with animals rather than sit in front of a computer or play with digital gadgets.
''All of my chickens recognise me. When they hear my voice, they flap their wings merrily. I feel relaxed when spending my days with them. I often try to avoid talking with people because I would rather talk with my chickens. I think they understand me as they always nod their head,'' laughed the chicken enthusiast.
Next week Pinyo Thipsukhum will talk about his fighting cock breeding scheme, which puts him in the forefront of the fighting cock arena as the country's leading fighting cock conservationist.
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