The Different Forms of Thai Kites
Chula Kite is Thailand’s national kite. Its shape is similar to a five-pointed star or the midsection of star apple. It can be
controlled in different styles, quickly and elegantly. In kite flying sport, Chula kite is regarded as a male kite to be played
against Pakpao kite, or a female kite.
Pakpao Kite is the identity kite of the Central region, considered as another national kite in parallel to Chula kite. Pakpao kite
is a diamond shape, similar to I-lum kite, but the bamboo wings are stronger than those of the I-lum kite. While flying in the
air, it can move very fast in various styles.
I-lum Kite is similar to Pakpao kite, by its rhombus shape. At the end of each wing is attached with a tassel to help balance
itself in the air. I-lum kite flying in the central region of Thailand has developed into Sai Pan Khom kite (sharp string kite)
flying which is sent off to cut other kites.
Dui Dui Kite or Tui Tui Kite is similar to Chula kite in pattern, but the wings are smaller. Its head is tied with Thanu, or Sanu,
or Ut (arrow), which is called “Aek” in the south. The arrow is made of bamboo, arched and tied with strings at both ends
like an arrow’s bow. A small piece of rattan or palm leave is attached on the strings, producing a sound of “Dui Dui” when
the kite is floating in the air.
Wong Duean Kite, called Wabulae (Yawi language) in some areas, is a southern kite. It is made in a moon shape as a
component of head and tails.
“ Kite flying is a popular game extensively played in many Asian countries such
as Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, China, India and Thailand, where
kite flying is popular. There is a rhetoric taken from the characteristics of kite
to compare with human behaviours like “Wao Khat Loi” refers to the state of
floating without anchorage. “Wao Tid Lom” (Kite flying in the airstream) refers
to the state of floating kite in the air (rhetoric) or being carried away.” • Chula Kite
196 | Culture Ways of Life and Wisdom