Chalerm backs more cockfights

The proposal was submitted to Chalerm by singer Yeunyong "Ad" Opakul, who chairs the Association of Thai FightingCocks Career Promotion yesterday morning before Chalerm joined the Cabinet meeting. The association wanted the cockfighting issue to be placed on the Cabinet agenda as it benefited grassroots people.

Currently the sport is allowed on every second and fourth Sunday but the association wanted it open every Saturday and Sunday.

The group also wants participation in the decision making about holding contests rather than leaving it up to provincial governor's consideration, said the association vice president Chai Wacharonke.

"There's a lack of cockfighting rings. Thailand has about one million cockfighting birds but just 150 rings. We want to share the governor's power over the matter. Whoever wants to open a ring must send documents to the association, so we can make a decision and give suggestions to the governor who will have the final say," he said.

He said this was aimed at having five cockfighting rings in every province and to create a better standard, making them a more hygienic environment, easier to control disease, and make them into tourist attractions.

The proposal also included a request to cancel an Article that states: 'The governor must take the responsibility for his/her decision for any damage that is caused by cockfighting rings."

"I admit that gambling is a weakness. But everything has its benefits. It has been part of Thai society for 600 years. It's like the stock market for poor people, and to entertain them after work." Chai added.

Chalerm said the additional day is possible because it was within the law, but it was up to each provincial governor's consideration. He said he would hold a meeting with nationwide governors today (May 21) and let them know that the ministry had a policy to promote this traditional sport. This change could lead to better prices for fighting cocks, so villagers would be more interested in raise the birds and earn more money.

"I don't want people to view this as a support for gambling, but support for a traditional sport. Since I have been the Interior Minister, I have prohibited many things. This will be a gift of happiness to people and give them a chance to get rich because if their cocks can fight more often, their value will go up," he said.

Normal fighting cocks cost around Bt1,000 but high quality birds can sell between Bt10,000 and Bt200,000.