The Second Annual Elephant Boat Race & River Festival Commences in Bangkok
The spirit and energy of boat racing returned to Bangkok today with the start of the Elephant Boat Race and River Festival, taking place by the banks of the Chao Phraya River. On land, the evening festivities kicked off with a live graffiti display by celebrated street artist Alex Face, the main stage was headlined by top bands and DJs and a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the Bangkok skyline. On the water sixteen teams are competing for coveted trophies across the youth and main categories, which included teams from the Royal Thai Navy as well as provincial teams. Each team was paddling a specially commissioned boat decorated with artistic elephant heads rising elegantly above the water, and tails inspired by traditional Thai fish motifs.