A Day at the Races

[jacko 8,815]

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.

 

Edited November 22, 2015 by jacko

[MM 6,562]

That's the lake that was a mud hole months ago?

And thanks for the pics and dates, but a bit more notice would have been helpful.

[jacko 8,815]

That's the lake that was a mud hole months ago?

And thanks for the pics and dates, but a bit more notice would have been helpful.

Well I erroneously posted them as occurring the weekend prior, (in my profile feed), then learned myself on Friday they were this weekend. I think I got some confusion of them being the 15th annual longboat races with them being on the 15th. :

Not sure how I could have posted a pictorial report much before the event though.

It is Loy Kratong on Wednesday, International Firework comp Fri/Sat 27th/28th and Kings Birthday 5th.

[MM 6,562]

Let's not forget Thanksgiving for the Americans on the 26th. It's a big week for events.

[jacko 8,815]

My Mrs went to the final day of the boat races while I was at the Expats Club and visiting. At the Hwy 3240 end there is a motocross track and she watched there for a while. Much more entertaining, as the action was continuous. I wonder what the schedule is on that as it is an great sport and I would like to spend an afternoon there. Good pics opportunity too.....

[atlas2 4,329]

It's good to watch once and I'm glad I went about 3 years back.........They go hammer and tongs with their paddles. And it's always nice to see Thais relaxed and having fun.

 

When I was there I noticed some of the crews had European coaches.........We sneak in everywhere.