Ko Lae Boat Races for His Majesty's Trophy and Narathiwat Products Fair

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Schedule : 21-25 September 2002

Venue : Around Bang Nara River and in Amphoe Muang, Narathiwat

Origin :
Ko Lae boats are locally called Yo Kong boats. They are fishing boats of southern people and are used in boat races. They have uniquely lovely designs and bright colors.
The first race was held in 1975 to show to His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family when they visited Narathiwat. Later in 1984, Mr. Thawatchai Somsaman, the Governor of Narathiwat Province, received royal acceptance for 25 September of every year to be for Ko Lae Boat Races.

Activities :
Activities include the Longkong Day, Krachut Day, Ko Lae Boat Races for His Majesty the King's Trophy, Krong Hua Chuk bird cooing contest, and zebra dove cooing contest.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- Narathat Beach (Muang)
	is a pine-fringed beach that is ideal for an outing.
- Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace (Muang)
	is the royal residence of His Majesty the King when he visits people in the South.
- Wat Khao Kong (Muang)
	houses Phra Phutthathaksin Ming Mongkhon Buddha image that is in the Prathan Phon posture and sits on the peak.
- Sungai Kolok Checkpoint (Sungai Kolok)
	is the tourism and trade gateway between Thailand and Malaysia.
- To Daeng Peat Swamp Forest (Sungai Kolok)
	is Thailand's largest peat swamp forest and is the location of Sirinthon Peat Swamp Forest Natural Research and Study Center. The forest has rare flora and fauna. It has over 400 plant species and 200 animal species, some of which are on the endangered list like panther, 7-color squirrel, Singapore rat, and red-cheeked squirrel.

For more information, contact :
- Narathiwat Provincial Office.
	Tel. (073) 511450
- TAT Southern Region Office: Area 3 (Narathiwat).
	Tel. (073) 516144, fax (073) 522412