International swan boats to grace the revered River of Kings in Bangkok this December

BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in conjunction with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand will celebrate the majestic Chao Phraya River and the much-admired Thai way of waterfront life with the International Swan Boat Race 2015. Reflecting vernacular heritage pass down from generation to generation, the swan boat race is an integral part of livelihood along the kingdom’s main artery.
 

Swan boat athletes from across Thailand, as well as 16 international teams, will compete in the championships, which are being hosted by TAT and will be held from 19-20 December, 2015, on the Chao Phraya River, Suan Luang Rama VIII Park, Bangkok.
 

The Chao Phraya River has played a vital role for the Thai people providing a place to work, live, and play. And on every full moon of the first lunar month, the river tides change, so free from agricultural duties, the Thai residents along the River of Kings join together in a boat race spectacle that is second to none.
 

As documented in the Du Royaume de Siam by the French diplomat Simon de la Loubère during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, the boat race perfectly depicts the unique identity of the Siamese Kingdom, and the fun and unified way of life.
 

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Continuing the momentum we built during the Discover Thainess campaign, which aims at leveraging all aspects of Thailand to be experiences enjoyed by local and international tourists, the Thailand International Swan Boat Race will provide a glimpse into how Thai river life is celebrate in addition to the renowned Loi Krathong Festival.”
 

Joining the local long-boat athletes vying for His Majesty the King’s and Her Majesty the Queen’s Royal Trophies are 16 international swan boat paddlers from 10 countries including the United Kingdom, Iran, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. Along with the Prime Minister’s Trophy, together the event offers over 2 million Baht in prizes.
 

“Set against the beautiful riverfront scenery of the statue of King Rama VIII and the adjacent Rama VIII Bridge, participants in the Thailand International Swan Boat Race 2015 will be able to experience other unseen attractions along the Chao Phraya River; such as, the Suan Luang Rama VIII Park where visitors can view the iconic waterfront structures on the Phra Nakhon side of the river including Phra Sumen Fortress, Wat Sam Phraya, and the Bank of Thailand Museum housed in the elegant mansion of Bang Khunphrom Palace,” Mr Yuthasak added.
 

Admission to the Thailand International Swan Boat Race 2015 is free and can be watched by live broadcast on the Thairath TV channel, on 20 December, 2015 during 15.00 – 17.00 Hrs.