Thais Take Up Elephant Polo

The luxurious resort of royal Hua Hin, on the gulf coast of Thailand, plays host to an unusual sport in September.

Between September 4th and 10th 2006, travellers may be lucky enough to witness elephant polo, an event held to raise money for a conservation centre for the powerful pachyderms.

Although originally played by Mogul Indian Kings, the World Elephant Polo Association was founded in 1982, by co-founders James Manclark, a Scottish landowner and former Olympic tobogganist, and Jim Edwards, owner of Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge and chairman of the Tiger Mountain Group.

The rules of the game are similar to those of horse polo, but the pitch is three quarters the size, to compensate for the reduced speed of the animals.

Some necessary additions have also been established; it is a penalty for an elephant to lie down in front of the goal line, while contestants are secured in rope harnesses, with a rope across their thighs and rope stirrups.

Thailand has become extremely popular for British backpackers and holidaymakers, due to its excellent weather, cheap hotels and youth hostels, along with a very reasonable cost of living.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Thailand

Updated: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00

Related Links:
Thailand Tourist Board