Thai farmers raced water buffaloes on Sunday (August 4) to herald the start of the rice cultivation season.

Over 50 buffaloes competed along a 200-metre (656-feet) muddy track in the Napa sub-district of Chonburi province, located about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Bangkok.

During the competition, racers took pairs of buffaloes equipped with ploughing gear to the starting track before the officials signaled the start. Meanwhile, the remaining buffaloes were continuously watered to help them cool off.

The race serves as a reminder of the buffalo's historical role in agriculture, dating back to the 1800s, according to the governor of the Provincial Administrative Organisation of Chonburi.