Cockfighting in Koh Samui

Cockfighting matches can be quite exciting

Is flying halfway across the planet worth a few days’ break in this tropical island? For almost every single individual who’s been here before, the answer is yes. Koh Samui attractions come in all sorts of forms to draw in the consistently massive stream of tourists throughout most of the year.

Koh Samui travel guides say that cockfighting is one of the most popular sports in Thailand today. Locals within the country have fallen in love with this form of competition since the establishment of Ayutthaya as the Thai Kingdom’s capital back in A.D. 1350.

Records indicate that by 1562, the Ayutthaya Kingdom was placed under Burmese occupation. Burma then decided to take Crown Prince Naresuan captive by the time he was seven years old in order to ensure the fidelity of his father, who was already a prominent prince during that time.

Naresuan was then trained by the Burmese King Bayinnuang in literature, martial arts, and military strategies during his stay in Burma, and was even regarded as one of the princes within the Burmese Palace. Amongst the many things the Crown Prince saw or learned during his nine years in the foreign nation, Naresuan developed a liking for cockfighting as well.

Today, this sport has managed to garner the attention and active participation of locals throughout Thailand. Unlike other Koh Samui attractions, making or losing money during each fight is possible, as spectators are permitted to bet.

A large number of participants and crowds in attendance have the potential to rake in plenty of cash for the ring operator. One big fight can generate more or less 200,000 baht (around USD6000), which is a large sum of money in Thailand.

While other countries that also participate in this sport usually attach a sharp blade or spur to the leg of each battling cock before a fight – which means the chickens will be fighting till one is severely injured or dead – Samui cockfights exclude such weapons.

This crowd-drawer is like the other Koh Samui attractions wherein no blood is shed (except for Muay Thai bouts). The winner of a cockfighting match is declared when his opponent either tires or stops fighting.

Lastly, although gambling is illegal in Thailand, guides say that fight promoters are usually able to obtain exemptions, thereby allowing big bets to be wagered.