Just before the New Year's holiday break, Sapphaya Witthaya High School had a 'Sports Day' second to none and one that would most most probably outshine even the earliest Super Bowl half time shows as the pageantry and color of this event was truly break taking!
As is typical in Thailand, any event or celebration turns into a spectacle of some form or another and Sapphaya's athletic day was a day filled with amazing colors and sites, from colorfully dressed student teams, to drill and dance units ranging from army cadets to 20's style flappers (with a kaetoy or two mixed in for good measure!).
When I arrived at school on this particular 'winter' morning, it was obvious as I went to sign in at the main administration building that it wasn't going to be another normal day (not that you could ever call teaching in a Thai high school 'normal'!!!) because as I walked down the exterior hallway , I caught glimpses of brightly clad students either wearing or putting on outfits that I could only describe as being from a Cabaret in Pattaya. Hmmmm....I thought, what wonders of Thai education are in store for me today.....
It wasn't long before I found out as the pageantry preparation was everywhere around me. It seemed every classroom was filled with some group of students wearing some form of outfit, some simple and colorful, others ornate and racy!
As is so very prevalent in Thailand, the concept of 'ladyboy' or kateoy is to be found everywhere that I have ever been and it is no different in Sapphaya than elsewhere in Thailand. To a westerner however, it might come as a jolt to see high school boys cross dressing so easily and readily in their school environments. In America, it would be unheard of although in most cultures around the world, it is an accepted trait although here in Thailand it does seem to be the most extreme of the many cultures that I have lived and traveled in around the world.
I also couldn't help but think of the phrase, 'the show must go on' as it was only hours since the horrific death and destruction from the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent Tsunami which devastated the region and left over 170,000 people dead. Although all Thai flags were flying at half mast (the King's grandson had been killed in Phuket), there was no reminder whatsoever of events unfolding around us as the parade of students marched past my camera.
As the various groups assembled on the grounds in front of the school, it was fascinating to watch the expressions and preparations for the parade that was forthcoming. It was obvious that some were really getting into their roles and characters and they really wanted to 'strut their stuff'! The younger ones however looked just a bit unsure and maybe a bit scared!
As I followed the students out of the school and along the road that parallels the banks of the Chao Praya River, I couldn't help but think how unique this was and how lucky I was to experience it. Although one often get frustrated with certain things while living and working here in Thailand, taken as a whole, it has to be one of the most unique and interesting experiences anywhere in the world. As a journalist and a photographer, it is a dream world as there is never an end to the color and pageantry of society or the lack of a beautiful smiles! Many call Thailand the 'Land of Smiles' and they aren't wrong because in rural Thailand it truly is.
Sapphaya Village is actually quite small and as the children exited the town, they came up along the banks of life giving Chao Praya River making its way southward through Sapphaya, than Bangkok and than the Gulf of Thailand. The river itself at this point is rather deep at about 3 meters and somewhat swift and dangerous. Two ferries cross the river form dawn till dusk here, ferrying both students and local folks.
As the parade continued, it moved from the river along the walls of the local Wat and than crossed Highway 311, the road between the towns of Chai Nat and Sing Buri. As they marched over the bridge spanning another irrigation canal that crisscross the region's farmlands, they turned back towards the public buildings and schools for both primary and elementary students.
Sappyaha Witthaya's Vice Principal, Ajarn Yupa on the left pointing out activities to the other teachers.
It is here where the day's sports events would unfold but not before another hour of dance, song and speeches. Of course the ceremonies were attended by senior public and police officials as well as many of the teachers from the high school. The District Lord Major gave a speech as well as Sapphaya Witthaya's Vice Director/Principal, Ajarn Yupha.
It was very unfortunate for me however as my camera batteries had finally given out after another 200 or so photos from the parade and I was unable to get photos of the dance and activities during the opening ceremony. As I needed to head out for Bangkok and the start of the New Year's holiday break, I said my thanks and headed for the bus stop and the bus that would carry me to yet another adventure!
Charlie- May the Gods be with you.
