Cockfighting, or gai chon, is a long-standing tradition in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, deeply connected to local culture and social gatherings. For generations, these events have served as both entertainment and a means of community bonding, reflecting the region’s customs and values.
Beyond its cultural significance, cockfighting is a thriving economic activity in Thailand. The sport has transformed into a high-stakes industry, attracting substantial betting and producing champion roosters valued at over 3 million baht (approximately $85,000). Winning birds gain celebrity status, much like Muay Thai fighters, drawing spectators and enthusiasts from across the country.
Unlike in some countries where roosters fight with blades, Thai cockfighting prioritizes endurance and strategy. Birds compete with their spurs wrapped in fabric, minimizing injuries while showcasing their fighting prowess. Supporters argue that this method makes the matches less brutal and more skill-based.
Despite its regulated status, the sport remains controversial. The Thai government permits cockfighting under strict guidelines, requiring proper licensing and adherence to specific rules. Following pandemic-related restrictions, the Ministry of Interior reinstated cockfighting in 2023, allowing gambling under controlled conditions.
However, animal rights activists continue to challenge the ethical aspects of the practice, raising concerns about animal welfare. The debate between tradition and modern ethical standards remains ongoing, particularly in Kanchanaburi, where cockfighting remains a deeply rooted yet contentious part of local life.
Beyond its cultural significance, cockfighting is a thriving economic activity in Thailand. The sport has transformed into a high-stakes industry, attracting substantial betting and producing champion roosters valued at over 3 million baht (approximately $85,000). Winning birds gain celebrity status, much like Muay Thai fighters, drawing spectators and enthusiasts from across the country.
Unlike in some countries where roosters fight with blades, Thai cockfighting prioritizes endurance and strategy. Birds compete with their spurs wrapped in fabric, minimizing injuries while showcasing their fighting prowess. Supporters argue that this method makes the matches less brutal and more skill-based.
Despite its regulated status, the sport remains controversial. The Thai government permits cockfighting under strict guidelines, requiring proper licensing and adherence to specific rules. Following pandemic-related restrictions, the Ministry of Interior reinstated cockfighting in 2023, allowing gambling under controlled conditions.
However, animal rights activists continue to challenge the ethical aspects of the practice, raising concerns about animal welfare. The debate between tradition and modern ethical standards remains ongoing, particularly in Kanchanaburi, where cockfighting remains a deeply rooted yet contentious part of local life.
Rooster fight training. A cockfight is decided when one of the roosters runs away or starts to cry. Rooster fighting is not a dead fight as may sometimes be portrayed. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
A competitive rooster fight. The fight ends once one of the roosters stops fighting during the three rounds of 22 minutes. Important amounts of money are involved for the winner and spectators betting. Kanchanaburi stadium, Thailand, January 2025
Rooster farm where training is taking place before taking part in rooster fight competitions. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
A rooster fight where people place bets as the fight goes on. A fight consists of 3 rounds of 22 minutes and ends when one of the roosters refuses to fight further. Kanchanaburi stadium, Thailand, January 2025
Roosters being taken care off before training or weekend competition. Rooster farm and training centre, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
Rooster fight training session. A fight is decided when one of the roosters runs away or starts to cry. Rooster fighting is not a dead fight as may sometimes be portrayed. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
Training centre for roosters that will when ready participate in rooster fighting. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Rooster fight training. A cockfight is decided when one of the roosters runs away or starts to cry. Rooster fighting is not a dead fight as may sometimes be portrayed. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Last preparations of the 2 teams before the rooster fight. The fight ends once one of the roosters stops fighting during the three rounds of 22 minutes. Kanchanaburi stadium, Thailand, January 2025
Owner of a rooster farm, preparing a rooster for a training fighting session. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Training centre for roosters that will when ready participate in rooster fighting. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Roosters are weighted before every training session and fight and accordingly divided in weight categories. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Owner preparing his rooster for a fight training session. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Small rooster farm, some of the roosters might eventually be selected to participate in rooster fight competitions. Kanchanburi, Thailand, January 2025
Spectators watching a rooster fight. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
The main arena before the rooster fights with its lounge for local VIPs. Kanchanaburi rooster fight arena, Thailand, January 2025
Roosters being taken care off before training or weekend competition. Rooster farm and training centre, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
Rooster check up before a rooster fight. Kanchanaburi championship, Thailand, January 2025
Rooster that will be engaged in rooster fighting. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
Stadium where rooster fighting is organised, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, January 2025
Training centre for roosters that will when ready participate in rooster fighting. Kanchanaburi, Thailand, September 2024
A competitive rooster fight. The fight ends once one of the roosters stops fighting during the three rounds of 22 minutes. Important amounts of money are involved for the winner and spectators betting. Kanchanaburi stadium, Thailand, January 2025
