During the high-tide season when the Tot Kathin merit making is held, Thai villagers enjoy playing “Phleng Rua”, or boat song, and gather for this song game comprising an exchange of impromptu verses sung in a courting dialogue.
Boat racing is another exciting spectacle which takes place during the high-tide season in September and October Long boat races are very popular and they require the participation of large numbers of crew to help in rowing at a rapid pace to reach the finish line.
Long boat racing takes place in almost all parts of Thailand. It has developed from a small-scale race at villager or sub-district level to a large scale one. It is in Phichit Province in the North that the vitality and carnival atmosphere of the races is best seen. The Phichit boat race is held annually around the Wat Tha Luang pier, with the winner’s cup donated by His Majesty The King. The event features international boat races, a contest of beautiful boats, a contest of cheer teams, and folk performances.