Phetchaburi Province announced plans to host the "Ox Cart Racing Competition 2026 and Ban Lat 109th Anniversary," highlighting local identity to raise awareness and stimulate the economy and tourism in the area.
At the new Ban Lat District Office in Phetchaburi, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phopchanok Cholanukroh, Governor of Phetchaburi, chaired the press conference to announce preparations for this major provincial tradition, the “Ox Cart Racing Competition 2026 and Ban Lat 109 Years: The Way of Tradition.” Representatives from various sectors attended enthusiastically, including Mrs. Natthinee Khongbuchakiat, President of Phetchaburi Red Cross Chapter; Chief Petty Officer Aphichart Kaewkosol, prospective Member of Parliament for Phetchaburi District 3; Mr. Preecha Ananwaranat, Ban Lat District Chief; Mrs. Panidapa Suankaew, Tourism and Sports Officer of Phetchaburi; Mrs. Duangjai Khumsard, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi Office; Mr. Prasong Homnan, Mayor of Tha Saen Subdistrict Administrative Organization; members of the media; and local residents. The event aims to preserve the lifestyle heritage and promote tourism in Phetchaburi Province and will be officially held from 27 to 31 March 2026 at the new Ban Lat District Office in Tham Rong Subdistrict, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Phopchanok Cholanukroh, Governor of Phetchaburi, explained the event's purpose: Ban Lat District is a fertile area where most residents are engaged in agriculture, including rice farming, plantation work, toddy palm sugar production, and cattle raising. The lifestyle of Ban Lat people is peaceful, straightforward, and marked by a distinct cultural identity, seen in traditional Thai house architecture, local dishes such as toddy palm shoot curry and herbal curry, and the well-known Ban Lat dialect accent. To promote and support the use of local wisdom to create social value and increase economic worth, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, local government bodies, and the village headmen association have jointly organized this event. It aims to boost tourism, generate community income, strengthen the grassroots economy, and preserve and pass on Ban Lat's cultural heritage to both Thai and international visitors.
Mr. Preecha Ananwaranat, Ban Lat District Chief, added regarding event preparations that this year is especially significant as Ban Lat marks its 109th anniversary. The district has integrated cooperation with all sectors, including government agencies, local administrative organizations, village headmen, and local residents, to fully prepare for welcoming tourists. This includes arrangements for the competition venue, security systems, and various facilities. He expressed readiness and enthusiasm to showcase the best and most proud aspects of Ban Lat’s lifestyle for everyone to experience firsthand.
The ox cart racing event this year is scheduled to take place at Tham Rong Field near the new Ban Lat District Office in Tham Rong Subdistrict, Ban Lat District. Activities include thrilling ox cart speed races, miniature ox cart races, ox cart plowing competitions, ox running races, contests for the most beautiful ox plowing carts, and entertaining ox ring sports games.
Additionally, the event features exhibitions showcasing Ban Lat’s unique qualities and a cultural plaza reflecting the stories, lifestyles, cultural identity, and local wisdom of Ban Lat residents. Highlights include toddy palm cutting competitions, toddy palm fruit eating contests, palm fruit shelling contests, barehanded pig catching competitions, and demonstrations of barehanded ox takedowns.
Attendees can enjoy traditional Phetchaburi folk music performances, live music from various artists, and local food and product sales featuring Ban Lat and Phetchaburi specialties. This offers visitors a chance to experience the charm of Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi.
Tourists and interested visitors are invited to revisit the beauty of local traditions in Phetchaburi at the “Ox Cart Racing Competition 2026 and Ban Lat 109th Anniversary” held at the new Ban Lat District Office from 27 to 31 March 2026.
