It's not often that you get to see beautiful birds soaring in the sky back and forth to their owners. However, on Sunday, this will be a common sight during the "Thailand Grand Flight Championship", which will take place at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, from 9am to 6pm.
Held for the first time by Pamornchai Supply, in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Zoology at HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science and Pattaya Tourism Business Association, this is a rare opportunity for owners of pet birds from all over the country to bring their talented feathered friends to showcase their free-flying skills above the Gulf of Thailand. More than 1,000 colourful pet birds have been confirmed to join the race.
The competition is divided into five distances for five groups depending on the species and sizes of the birds. The first is a 14m distance race open to large macaws of all types; the second is a 12m distance race for the African grey parrot, eclectus parrot, Amazon parrot and medium-sized macaw; and the 10m distance race is meant for all species of cockatoo.
More than 1,000 colourful birds will compete in the free-flying championship over Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier. Pamornchai Supply
Also, expect to see the sun conure, green cheeked conure, cockatiel and small-sized macaw in the 8m free-flight race while small birds like parakeet, lovebird and forpus will compete in the shortest distance race of six metres.
The winner of each category will receive a trophy from HRH Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana.
The day will also see the first gathering of experienced avian veterinarians from across Thailand as well as veterinary student volunteers, who will provide knowledge on bird health and welfare to bird lovers and give complimentary check-ups. Many booths will also offer special prices on their products.
There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/welovepetsbypamornchai.
