The highly popular King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, from Sept 5-11 and promises nailbiting action both on and off field.
With free admission for everyone, spectators can rub shoulders with European and Asian royalty, international sporting stars and local celebrities. The week-long event has something for everyone including a spectacular opening parade with big brass bands, Thailand's last elephant spirit men, traditional dancers, elephants and a wide range of food and beverage outlets to tantalise the taste buds on Sept 5.
This year 55 international players from 4 continents including the famous All Black rugby players, German princesses and Olympic gold medallists will be going trunk to trunk for the coveted King's Cup from Sept 6-11.
All the elephants playing have been rescued from the streets of Thailand and enjoy a week-long holiday themselves with free veterinary check-ups along with all the food and sustenance and vitamins they usually would not receive as street elephants.
International and local celebrities, including six-time Grammy winning band Lady Antebellum, Korean pop star Park Jung Min and Thailand's Cindy Bishop and Charm Osthanond have donated their artistic talents by decorating elephant replicas which will be on display throughout the event and will be auctioned off for charity at the final gala dinner on Sept 10.
The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas and is a charitable event that raises money for the benefit of all Thailand's elephants, raising more than US$300,000 (almost 9 million baht) to better the lives of our national animal. The event will take place on grounds adjacent to Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, and spectator entrance is free.