SPORTING KITES

                     
              Kites are known and flown for enjoyment all over the world. A kind of kite flying   in Thailand,
however, is considered a traditional sport. Although it is popular throughout the country, the sport of competitive kiting is best seen on the Sanam Luang field in the centre of Bangkok during the months
of March to May. Opposing teams fly male (chula) and female (pakpao) kites in a surrogate battle of
the sexes. The small agile pakpaos try to bring down the more cumbersome chula, while the male kite
searchs to snare the female kites and bring them back into male territory.
 
There are two kinds of kites. The female pakpao is diamond shapped and has a long tail. The male kite is known as chula and is star shaped. Both can be finely manipulated with  one string so that they fly with agile movements. The objective of the competition is to stall one's opponent and to bring it down to the ground. This sport is very exciting as well as entertaining and is unique in the world.
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