Kite
Fighting
 During
the summer months of March, April, and May it is possible
to watch the traditional Thai sport of kite fighting, a game
in which two kites engage in aerial combat. The sport of kite
fighting has a long-standing tradition in Thailand, as it
is a sport that has been played by members of the Royal Family
for centuries.
Types
of Kites
There are two separate types of kites involved in kite fighting,
the male kite, "Chula", and the female kite, "Pakpao".
These two kites are of different shape and size, the "Chula"
being the larger of the two. The "Chula" is a star-shaped
kite, generally five to seven feet in length. Along the string
of the "Chula" are bamboo grappling hooks called
"Champah", which are strategically placed at intervals.
These champah are in fact the weapons of the "Chula",
and between three and five champah are allowed per kite, depending
on the size of the kite.
The
smaller of the two kites, the "Pakpao" is a diamond-shaped
kite, usually two and a half feet in length. The "Pakpao",
much like her counterpart, the "Chula", is armed
for battle. The weapons of the "Pakpao" are the
long starched tail and a loop, which hangs from the string.
Being a smaller kite, the "Pakpao" is significantly
faster and more maneuverable than the "Chula". These
qualities are actually the greatest weapons of the "Pakpao".
How
to Play
The playing field used for kite fighting is typically a large
open field divided into two home sections, one for each of
the kite teams. The "Chula" teams typically are
placed in the upwind section of the field, with the "Pakpao"
teams placed downwind. During a match, there are three kites
aloft, one "Chula", and two "Pakpao".
The objective is for the "Chula" to fly into "Pakpao"
territory, and capture either one or both of the "Pakpao",
by grounding them in home territory. If the "Chula"
has a successful mission, and brings back both "Pakpao",
he will receive 20 points. However, if the "Pakpao"
are successful in bringing down the "Chula" in home
territory, she will receive the points.
The Spectacle
 Although
the rules of play may sound a bit confusing, the actual event
is quite impressive. During a kite fight, kites are flown
with a very high degree of skill, and the sight of them diving
and climbing in aerial battle is a sight to see. Thousands
of people gather each year to witness these contests, and
if one is planning to be in Thailand during the season, it
is worth seeing.
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