The Pattaya Boat races are on, now that I have got the date correct, Sat/Sunday, 21st and 22nd November out at the Maprachan lake, well down soi Siam Country Club Rd. Parking available at 20 baht for cars and trucks, rather a rough dirt track to get to it though. You can also access it from the other side, Hwy 3240. Usual selection of eateries and food stalls, junk markets and a bit of entertainment laid on, but overall a shadow of the events past years. After walking the stalls at the road there is a steep steel 100 step climb to the top of the lake bank where, if you had the sense to bring a mat and a cushion you can sit and watch the boats race. A lot of hard stones on the bank! Cold drinks are available, and necessary if the sun is out as you will be lucky to find shade unless you brought it with you. (ie bring a brolly). No cold beer being sold, so bring that too if you need it, but I am thinking you might need to be discreet drinking, as I saw others being.
You get quite a mix of people, tourists, Thai lady escorting a farang, local families complete with bags and bags of snacks. They sure can make a mess.
The boats are long... holding about 50 men, and more oars than Walking St.
The noise from the commentators, incessant and irritating but in good spirits.
Finals on Sunday.
Come on lads, get over to the starting point.
Enjoying the day.
A drone in the sky for those good action shots and crowd views.
An old fashioned boom camera too.
Mrs, easily entertained and hiding from the sun as usual.