Second to soaking each other with water, mortal kite combat is another summer tradition. Hundreds of kites took to the sky over the Sanam Luang yesterday, all in one of two traditional forms.
Part of the old city’s 233rd birthday party, Pakpao and Chula kites soared into a spirited contest to dominate the airspace. The two types have a long history and are associated with the monarchy. With its big, star-shaped form and strength against the wind, Chula kites are considered male while femininity is associated with Pakpao kites’ smaller diamond-shaped and cloth tail.
For Monday’s fight, the Sanam Luang was divided into two zones. Team Pakpao consisted of four flyers, while eight operators managed the Chula kites. Points were won depending on where the vanquished kites fell, but for audiences, the sight of them cutting through the sky in pursuit of each other provided the drama, as their operating teams worked together to gain the upper hand.
Team Chula’s eight members struggle to control their 81-inch kite against the wind.
“Kite fighters who fly Chula and Pakpao take about 10 years of training to fly smoothly,” Boonkam said.
Following the 90-minutes battle, viewers were welcome to fly their own kites. Snake kites are popular with novice flyers, partly because they look pretty cool in photos to share online.
Although the official event ended, the public can enjoy kite flying every day from 4pm onward throughout the summer at Sanam Luang.
