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In Pictures: Racing buffaloes in Thailand

Hundreds of farmers bring their big beasts to a century-old festival celebrating the valued animal each year.

The big beasts stampede on the 100-metre track guided by jockeys during the traditional buffalo race.
By Biel Calderon
Published On 12 Oct 2014

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Chonburi, Thailand – Spectators eagerly await the race encouraged on by enthusiastic emcees over loudspeakers as the powerful water buffaloes and their jockeys prepare for the 100m soil track ahead.

Clouds of dust erupt as the large animals and their riders stampede towards the finish line. The crowd roars in support of their favourites, or for all competitors in general. For the jockeys, controlling a water buffalo requires great technique and strength. Getting thrown off would likely mean serious bodily harm. 

Every year hundreds of farmers travel to Thailand’s Chonburi province, 90km from the capital Bangkok, with their big beasts to take part in a traditional “Buffalo Racing Festival”, a cultural event to pay tribute to the hard working farm animals of great value in this Southeast Asian country.

The contest, one of the best-known festivals in Thailand, has been celebrated for 140 years. Legend has it that Thai farmers from the countryside descended on Chonburi city to trade their agricultural products, and the event originated to settle an argument over who had the fastest buffalo in town.

The annual event is held to show gratitude to the buffaloes for helping out on the farm.
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A farmer readies his buffalo before the race. 
A Thai woman rides a decorated buffalo during the parade. The weeklong festival offers a wide range of activities - but the main attraction is the buffalo race.
The races have taken place in Chonburi province for more than 140 years.
A Thai rider looks after his buffalo before the race. Competition is spread throughout the day in the intense heat.
Thai children wear traditional costumes during the parade.
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Thai riders must jump off their buffaloes in order to stop them.
A child rides a buffalo with his body painted black during a parade prior to the traditional buffalo race.
Races require a lot of technique and strength, and getting kicked off could result in serious injury.
Hundreds of farmers descend on Chonburi for the yearly festival.
A jockey jumps off his buffalo to stop it at the finish line.