Nakhon Prathom, Nov 05: The Kwai Lek (Iron Buffalo) tractor first started being used in Thailand in the 1960s, having been introduced by a member of the royal family well-known for his agricultural inventions. Cheap and easy to use, the mechanical plough soon replaced the water buffalo and is now believed to be a mainstay in the agricultural community -- which makes up 54% of Thailand's workforce. And now tractor racing is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand's rural areas -- so much so that it is sponsored by a local energy drink and even televised on national channels.
Important races have been known to attract thousands of spectators, who crowd in to drink, cheer and place bets on impressive-looking modified machines.
Thongchai Wongsawan , organiser of the iron buffalo races, thinks that the sport has been successful because it is so uniquely Thai.


"Yes, this is the only one event for the iron buffalo racing in Thailand, and maybe it's the only one in the world," he said.


The races are divided into two classes. In the standard class, tractor engines must be left as normal, and they must pull 250 kg of weight on a trailer.

But the real attention is on the open class, where competitors can modify their engines, balance precariously on tiny trailers and race at top speeds -- it is here that the real track-side money can be made, and glory won.


Bureau Report