Nonthaburi long-boat races to feature king and queen’s trophies

The Nonthaburi Municipality is set to hold its 15th annual traditional long-boat racing competition, contending for the prestigious King and Queen’s trophies. The event will take place over two days, starting August 24, along the Chao Phraya River near Nonthaburi Pier.

Apichai Aramsri, Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi, Somnuek Thandetchakul, Mayor of Nonthaburi, Admiral Chairnarong Charernrak, President of the Rowing Association of Thailand, and Charnyut Sawetwan, Director of the Bangkok office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), held a press conference yesterday, August 19, to announce the event.

The gathering included local officials, advisors, municipal councillors, heads of government agencies, and the public, all convened at the Nonthaburi Pier embankment.

The Nonthaburi Municipality collaborates with the Rowing Association of Thailand and the TAT to organise this traditional long-boat racing event, aiming to preserve and revitalise the cultural heritage of long-boat racing, which is a national legacy. This year’s competition is scheduled from August 24 to 25 along the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi.

Somnuek Thandetchakul highlighted that the Chao Phraya River, which spans approximately 10 kilometres within the Nonthaburi Municipality, is vital for local transportation, agriculture, commerce, and water activities like long-boat racing. In the past, Nonthaburi Municipality has organised 14 long-boat and traditional boat races, intending to conserve this unique cultural practice and promote water sports.

The competition will be divided into four categories:
1. 30-rower boats, Class 1
2. 30-rower boats, Class 2
3. 55-rower boats, Class 1
4. 55-rower boats, Class 2

The highlight of the event will be the races for the King’s trophy in the 55-rower boats, Class 1, and the Queen’s trophy in the 30-rower boats, Class 1.

A special feature of this year’s event is a competition for young commentators, organised in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (SHPF). Participants will vie for Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s trophy.

The event will also feature a bustling street market along Pracharat Road from Sripornsawan Intersection to Nonthaburi Pier, running from August 23 to 25, starting from 6pm each evening. The market aims to stimulate the local economy by offering local specialities, affordable products, OTOP products, and community goods. This initiative aligns with Nonthaburi’s policy to create marketing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing consumers with diverse choices and supporting small vendors.

To accommodate the market, Pracharat Road will be closed to traffic from 6pm to midnight during the event days, reported KhaoSod.