A beauty pageant for buffaloes in Thailand raises status of the humble animal

CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — The humble water buffalo has become a prized show animal in Thailand. They were celebrated Monday at an annual buffalo racing festival in the city of Chonburi. These days tractors have largely replaced the buffalo for heavy farm work. But the contests have sparked a renewed interest in the animals. The festival held at the end of the 11th lunar month celebrates the start of harvest season and the animals that once were vital to Thai agriculture. An albino Thai buffalo sold in 2024 for 18 million baht, or $672,000. The Thai government also has designated a Thai Buffalo Conservation Day while local governments provide breeding assistance to farmers.

Vince Whaley has an audience with a se

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