The 10th International Kite Festival celebrates a popular Thai hobby of yesteryear

The sky above the beach at Cha-am will be coloured by hundreds of kites from around the world at the annual International Kite Festival, which is hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event is taking place tomorrow and Sunday for the 10th consecutive year at Rama VI Camp in Cha-am, Phetchaburi.

Flying kites has long been an annual activity in Thailand. From late March till the beginning of the rainy season in May when the sky is clear and windy, fields all over the country - Rattanakosin's Sanam Luang in Bangkok among them - are dotted by kite lovers doing their thing. Though kite flying is not as popular as it once was, enthusiasts can still appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making each traditional kite and the skill that goes into flying them.

Soaring and swooping alongside wacky creations from around the world will be traditional kites from all four regions of Thailand. There will also be competitions for the "fighting" chula and pak-pao kites. Other events include demonstrations of giant 3D-kite flying, stunt kites, remote-controlled aeroplanes, balloons and night kites.

The event draws participants from countries all over the world including Cambodia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany and Holland.

The festival starts with a kite caravan from Bangkok to the festival site at 7am on Saturday. On Sunday the fun kicks off at 10am. Both festival days end with a night-kite and balloon show at 6.30pm.

Call the TAT in Bangkok at (02) 250 5500 ext 3477 or in Cha-Am at (032) 471 005-6.

Flying times

Saturday

7am: Caravan sets out from Bangkok bound for Cha-am

10am: Opening ceremony

10 to 11am: Parachuting show

11am to 6.30pm: Shows by international kites, stunt kites with music, fast kites and Thai kites and a contest between chula and pak-pao kites

6.30pm to 8.30pm: Night-kite show, balloon show.

Sunday
10 to 11am: Parachuting Show

11am to 6.30pm: Shows by international kites, stunt kites with music, fast kites and Thai kites and a contest between chula and pak-pao fighting kites

6.30pm to 8.30pm: Night-kite show, balloon show

By Manta Klangboonkrong

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