The recent "Thailand International Kite Festival 2018" not only attracted kite-flying enthusiasts to see giant fancy and stunt kites from 15 countries but also was a good opportunity for spectators to learn about traditional kites from all regions of Thailand.
The event was another occassion for many to wear traditional costumes. Jetjaras Na Ranong
The annual event was held during March 23-25 at the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
The festival's kite exhibition utilised interactive multimedia technology in telling the history of kite flying in Thailand that dates back to the Sukhothai period (1238-1438). Legend has it that King Sri Indrathitya, the first monarch of Sukhothai, liked to fly kites and fell in love with a daughter of Phraya Eua after his kite fell down on the latter's house. In addition, the chronicle of Thao Sri Chulalak, consort of King Phra Ruang, says that in the second lunar month of each year Sukhothai had a royal ceremony called Phra Ratcha Phithi Bussababhisek where the ladies of the royal court would enjoy a royal kite flying show.
Later during the Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767), kites were also applied at war. Legend has it that kites were used in dropping gunpowder and bombing the headquarters of rebels in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) during the reign of Somdet Phra Phetracha, the first king of Ban Phlu Luang Dynasty who reigned from 1688-1703.
During the Rattanakosin Period, kite flying became an activity of fun again. During the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868), subjects were permitted to fly their kites over Sanam Luang. In 1906 during the reign of King Rama V, the first contest for a royal gold trophy was held at Suan Dusit Palace. The monarch enjoyed the contest so much that it became an annual event until his death in 1910. Later, King Rama VI (1910-1925), supported the sport of kite flying.
Also at the recent festival, a Thai classical music piphat ensemble performed to the enjoyment on onlookers during the Chula and Pak Pao Kites Show.
In the Central Region the chula and pak pao kites are usually flown in combat, where competitors try to hit their opponent's kite and send them crashing to the ground. The chula kite is in a five-pointed star shape made of five bamboo sticks as the frame, stringed and covered with mulberry paper. It is nicknamed the Conquerer of Pak Pao. Meanwhile, the pak pao kite is in a diamond shape, with a stronger frame. When it flies, it does not go straight but moves left to right.
Kite flying in Siam.
The typical kite of the North is called e-lum. It is in a diamond's shape like the pak pao kite and has two bamboo sticks as its frame and is covered with special kite paper. Interestingly, the kite has two tuffs attached to its two wings as well as one tail to ensure stabilisation. Sukhothai province has a special kite called the phra ruang. The art of making these kites is very popular and promoted by many groups in all of the province's nine districts. Among them is the Phra Ruang Kites Conservation Club at Ban Khuk Phatthana, Si Satchanalai district.
According to Ban Khuk Phatthana village headwoman Thassawan Lisuan, the group was established in 2011 to enhance public awareness of the importance of phra ruang kites, which are usually flown after the rice harvest. Its members now exceed 100. Phra ruang kites from her village sport fish patterns to represent fertility. The village hosts a kite contest in a rice field held annually in April. Among the many contestants are at least two youngsters who volunteer to promote kite flying among the younger generation.
In the Northeast, the typical kite is called the dui dui kite. It looks similar to chula kite, but has two tails to help stabilise flight. When it flies, it gives the sound "dui dui" after which it is named. Another kind of local kite called the aek kite is very popular in Buri Ram province where local villagers formed clubs to conserve and teach the art of making these kites. Contests are held annually at the provincial stadium and results come out based on the beauty of kites themselves and the quality of flying and sound making, according to local school teachers Tharin Phannawan and Chawanwit Bussabong who love flying the aek kite.
The most popular kite of the South is called khwai. It is in the shape of a buffalo's head with horns on its wings. A piece of wood that looks like a yoke is attached on the head to produce a sound while in flight. This kind of kite dates to centuries ago and are still popular in Songkhla, Phatthalung, Satun and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Southerners like to play these kites after rice harvesting. There have been attempts to conserve the art of making and flying the khwai kite by conservation groups in Songkhla and Satun, according to Satun Kites Club member Wian Tangroon.
Wian has been teaching students how to make khwai kites for free for about 20 years. The major material is bamboo wood. The price of each kite ranges from 400 baht to 2,500-3,000 baht depending on its size. Prices can be steep because it is difficult and time-consuming to make each khwai kite.
At the event, numerous parents and children enjoyed decorating and flying traditional kites in a provided field. Many others missed this year's kite festival, but can return next year.
The chula and pak pao kites duel.
Families decorate their kites.
