Thursday, May 22, 2008

Cock fight sign at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Here's a signboard that says "Fighting Cocks and Birds" in a small section of the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok where some of the finest and toughest cocks used to fight one another, while being cheered by some serious and amused spectators.



Cock Fighting is an ancient sport in Thailand which was said to be popular since Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai Kingdom of Siam.



After the Bird Flu Outbreak in Thailand a few years ago Thailand imposed tough restrictions on the transport of fighting cocks, which travel around the country for their matches. The birds were given their own passports with a photo, certifying that they were healthy. But after the resurgence of bird flu in 2005, authorities banned cock fighting altogether, which drew strong protests from cock owners whose businesses suffered.

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