Buffalo Racing: Fearless Farmers Race Their Animals In Annual Festival

Held for more than 140 years, the event is the local farmers’ way of saying thank you to the animals for their labours in the fields.

The pictures were taken by Bangok businessman Vichaya Chatikavanij.

“It’s a great experience,” he said. 

“You can get really close to the action, but shooting head-on shots was a little scary as you lose sense of distance looking through the lens.

“Shooting the race was not easy and the buffalos always have a mind of their own. Each race is always different so you have to react very quickly.

“It’s a very fun event. Both the racers and spectators normally bet on the race result to increase their excitement.”

The buffalos are leashed together in pairs with their whip-handed drivers running frantically behind to keep up.

It’s normal for participants to get hurt, but with many of the races taking place in the soft mud, most of the injuries turn out to be minor.

The event forms part of a week-long festival in homage to the four-legged beasts and in celebration of the rice harvest.

These include a contest for the most healthy buffalo, a buffalo fashion contest and a parade of beautifully decorated buffalo carts.

The festival also involves martial arts and a miss farmer beauty contest.