 |
| 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.
