Paddlers Go For Gold In Phuket

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Paddlers go for gold in Phuket

PA KHLOK, PHUKET: -- One of the more colorful events taking place this weekend is the 6th Annual ‘Hua Tong’ Boat Paddling competition at Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok.

Eighteen teams with ten paddlers each are taking part in the main competition, which began at 9am yesterday with an opening ceremony presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Smith Palawatwichai.

In the team event that ends this afternoon, the winners will receive 6,000 baht in cash and a championship trophy presented by Privy Councilor Gen Pichitr Kullavanijaya.

The second place team will get 4,000 baht in cash and a trophy presented by Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngob.

The third place team will get 3,000 and a trophy presented by Pa Khlok Tambon Chief Rorchad Tortip

There are also competitions with cash prizes for smaller boats with one or two paddlers.

Teams from nine coastal communities have entered the competition, which is intended to promote tourism and the use of the traditional hua tong vessels commonly used in the fishing and tourism industries along Thailand’s Andaman coastline.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-02-06

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