It remains popular up to the present day. Many provinces stage spectacular races during the months of October and November, usually as part of festivals marking the end of the rainy season. The boats are made from hardwood such as Takhian and colored cloth is tied to the prow of the boat to honor the guardian spirit. Each racing team consists of eight to ten oarsmen or more and a helmsman. This martial art once formed part of medieval military training.
Excitement comes from the combined sounds of clashing weapons and the traditional music.
This game is played during leisure time, the Songkran Festival , ordination ceremonies and other festive occasions. There are three styles by which the balls may be hit over a net, namely the front hit, the side hit, and the rear hit. Thai Chess is believed to have originated from the more common form of Indian Chess, and may have been used to plan military strategies. Thai chess requires a square board. Thai Chess provides intellectual pleasure, and sharpens rapid calculation and decision-making skills.