Thai kites facts for kids
Kites have been a popular hobby in Thailand for a very long time. Back in the Sukhothai period, a king named Ramkamhaeng really loved kite flying. Because of his support, kites became a big part of Thai culture. Later, during the Rattanakosin Kingdom, King Rama V (who ruled from 1868 to 1910) also enjoyed flying kites a lot. He even started the first official kite flying competitions! A famous place for flying kites in Thailand is Sanam Luang (which means "royal turf") in Bangkok. People have been using this field for kite flying since 1855.
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Different Types of Thai Kites
There are many kinds of Thai kites, but some of the most well-known are the E-lum, Pakpao, Chula, and Dui-dui kites. Each one has its own special look and features!
E-lum Kite
The E-lum kite looks like a diamond shape. It's made from light bamboo sticks covered with thin paper. The ends of the two sides have tassels (like decorative strings) that help the kite fly straight and stay steady in the air.
Pakpao Kite
The Pakpao kite is similar to the E-lum, but its wings are built much stronger. It also has a longer tail made of cloth, which helps to balance the kite as it flies. Sometimes, the Pakpao kite can even be flown to look like an animal in the sky!
Chula Kite
The Chula kite is shaped like a five-pointed star. It's made from five sticks of a special type of bamboo called Seesuk. The longest stick is called "Petch mai" and forms the center line of the kite. Two other sticks make the wing parts, and the last two make the shorter leg parts. The kite is covered with a special paper called Sar paper and held together with thread.
Dui-dui Kite
Many people think the Dui-dui kite came from the Chula kite, but it has a very different shape. It has a large oval at the top and a smaller oval in the middle. Its two tails are shaped like rectangles. This kite is made from Wai wood. When the wind hits the wood, it makes a sound like "dui-dui," which is how it got its name! Monks often create Dui-dui kites, and they are usually flown in the evening.
Exciting Kite Competitions
One of the most exciting parts of traditional Thai kite flying is the huge yearly competition between the Chula and Pakpao kites.
History of the Competition
In the past, these contests lasted for two whole months! Games were held every afternoon from March to April, which is when the warm southern winds are perfect for flying kites.
Modern Competitions
Today, not as many people have free time to fly kites every day. So, the annual contest for the special King's Cup has been made shorter. It now runs for about 15 days in April. The exact dates and how long it lasts can change each year, depending on the people who organize the event.
How the Game Works
The Chula kite is much bigger than the Pakpao kite. To make the game fair, at least two Pakpao teams usually compete against one Chula team. The whole game lasts about 90 minutes and is divided into two rounds. The Chula team stands at the very edge of the field, while the Pakpao team stands near a rope that divides the field into two parts. The goal is to pull your opponent's kite down into your own area. The team that successfully does this wins!
