Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery: A 'Waterworld' For Warriors
Nida Tunsuttiwong
Located by the Chao Phraya River opposite Bangkok's Klong Toei area, Bangkrachao is often referred to as the 'lung of Bangkok', even though the term is actually somewhat of a misnomer given that it's actually located in the neighboring province of Samut Prakan.
Geographical inaccuracies aside, Bangkrachao is certainly a form of 'urban oasis', having been officially described as such in a 2006 edition of TIME magazine.
A brand new attraction
Situated along the Phra Pradaeng peninsular, Bangkrachao has become a popular destination for cyclists and operators of cycling tours, thanks to its clean air and vast network of pathways, elevated pathways, lanes and roads.
But on this occasion I'm visiting a brand new attraction – the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery – which held its soft launch on December 5 (2009), marking His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 82nd birthday anniversary.
The Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery is the brainchild of Peerapong Thanompongphan, a former deputy minister of transport whose motivation was to raise awareness among foreign visitors of the native fighting fish. Peerapong believes the fighting fish is another important aspect of Thai culture, which should be added to a list containing Thai smiles, Thai silk and Tom Yam Kung.
The small gallery is based in a contemporary-style residence, which also features a lovely garden. On arrival at a building called Ban Rak Roo (House 'that loves to learn'), a member of staff greets me and leads me to a room on the second floor, which serves as an exhibition space for the fighting fish.
The room includes a small theater area, where a video presentation was providing visitors with more details about the gallery, including a small feature on how a local man looked after his fishing fish. I learned here that plakat – the name used for fighting fish – originated during the Sukhothai period (1238-1583). During that period, most of the country's citizens were farmers. Once a harvest was over, farmers would typically organize duels (kat pla), which were a popular form of recreational activity during that time.
Eye candy
Since it's instinctive for the fish to fight, breeders need to ensure the fish are isolated from each other by keeping them in separate bowls or jars. This is particularly true of the Plakat Mor (Betta Splendens) variety, which are particularly aggressive.
While this variety of fish is best known for its strong determination and will to fight, breeders also raise these fish for their aesthetic value, and this is particularly true of a species called Plakat Chin ('Veil-Tailed Betta').
On the first floor, I came across several other particularly beautiful examples of Siamese fighting fish. My personal favorites were a red Crown Veil-Tailed Betta and a Half-Moon Betta.
The Half-Moon Betta typically boasts a caudal (tail-like) spread of up to 180°, hence its name.
Next I head for two connecting buildings called Hor Loak ('World Pavilion') and Hor Tham ('Dhamma Pavilion'). These host more exhibition space that is utilized to display other kinds of fighting fish, along with other varieties of fish found in the Chao Phraya River.
On the second floor, you'll find statues of King Naresuan the Great, King Taksin the Great, as well as a statue of a Buddha image (in a walking posture).
The Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery also has an outdoor exhibition area, which stretches along one side of the property. Here you will also find more information about the Bangkrachao area, as well as more background information about the gallery.
The Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery opens from Thursday through Tuesday (closed on Wednesdays) from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free until further notice.
For further information, call The Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery on Tel: +66 (0)2 815 0149 or +66 (0)2 815 1484. You can also learn more by visiting the gallery's official website at http://www.fightingfishgallery.com.
Transport connections:
Car: From Bangkok, take Rama IV Road and head towards Klong Toei. At the intersection with Kasemrat Road, turn right and head towards the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT)'s premises.
Near the entrance to the PAT, you'll see the temple of Wat Klong Toei Nok and a small lane on the right. At the end of this lane is a small pier, from which you can get a ferry to Bangkrachao. Ferries depart every 15 minutes or so. Once you disembark, you'll find the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery located about 400 meters away from Bangkrachao Pier on your left-hand side.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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