On Sunday, the 9th, the ÀNI Art Academies Thailand team participated in the Koh Yao Noi Kite Competition. They were also honored to donate art supplies and funds to the competition so that younger generations can continue the tradition.
Kite flying has been part of Thai history and culture since the 13th century. During the Sukhothai period, King Ramkamhaeng fully supported kite flying, so kites became a prominent part of Thai culture. It is also noted that King Rama V (1868 – 1910) enjoyed kite flying, and it was at this time that formal kite-flying competitions were created.
There are several different forms of these competitions, but the most common is the Chula vs. Pakpao. In this kite fight, the team with the larger Chula kite, tries to capture and drag the Pakpao kite to their side of the field. The Pakao kite, being smaller and more agile, tries to dodge, cut, or entangle the Chula kite to slow its movements. And the winner is whichever team can drag their opponent’s kite to their area of the field.
Besides the Chula vs. Pakpao competition, there are also beauty and performance competitions. In these, kites are judged for the design and creativity of the artwork that adorns them. In performance competitions, kite flyers are judged on their flying agility and skill.
