Sunday, December 10, 2006

Jet Ski Competition In Jomtien This Weekend

Thai people are world-class competitors in only a few select sports: Boxing, women's weight lifting, and jet ski racing top the list. (If the "women's weight lifting" surprises you, that's because you've never seen a stout, stocky Isaan girl pick up a water buffalo and chuck it clean out of the rice paddy.)

Anyway, yes: Thai people can ride the hell out of a jet ski, and they love to watch as well. Jet ski competitions are really popular in Thailand, and this weekend the venue is Jomtien.

p.s. The lack of Thai competitiveness in sports has nothing to do with Thai athleticism, and everything to do with the fact that there are very few organized sporting opportunities for the general population of Thailand. Aside from school-sponsored futbol, there really are no ongoing sports teams, clubs, or organizations that give Thai children (and adults) access to sports.

That would be a great idea for the next royal project of the King of Thailand: A nationwide sports and athletic program.

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