Thai farmers have raced their water buffaloes here since the 1800s
to mark the beginning of their rice cultivation season
Location: Chonburi, Thailand
More than 60 buffaloes took part in the tradition
[Samart Suksawang, Mayor of Napa]
"The purpose is to conserve cultural traditions, allowing the younger generation to understand that we've been practicing rice cultivation with the help of the buffaloes for a long time within our local communities and cities. By using them to plow the fields, we are determined to preserve this aspect."
[Somboon Somkit, Rice farmer and racer]
"This year it's hot, and the rain is scarce. In previous years, the fields used to get flooded. Now, there's not much rain. The older people even said there might be an upcoming severe drought."
