Cockfighting match

In Thailand, cockfighting is not just an age-old form of folk entertainment; it’s also a cultural tradition that continues to thrive today. Whether in makeshift arenas in rural villages or official venues on the outskirts of cities, this time-honored practice remains popular among locals and is seen by many families as a part of everyday life.

Cockfighting match

In recent years, cockfighting in Thailand has gradually evolved from a traditional pastime into a professionalized and commercialized industry. Some champion roosters can fetch prices in the millions of baht and are frequently traded among enthusiasts and collectors. Breeding, training, trading, and competing have formed a complete economic ecosystem around the sport. According to Al Jazeera, some breeders have amassed significant wealth through cockfighting, with a few female entrepreneurs making tens of millions of baht per month, earning them the nickname “cockfighting queens” in their local communities.

Cockfighting match

However, the sport’s popularity also brings social controversy. While cockfighting is legal in Thailand, it is closely linked to gambling and has been the source of frequent legal disputes. In December 2024, a cockfighting event ended in a shooting over betting money, a case that shocked the nation. The dispute involved wagers totaling 1.1 million baht (around 220,000 yuan), highlighting regulatory gaps and underlying social risks. As reported by The Nation, such incidents have sparked public debate and calls for better oversight of cockfighting venues.

At the same time, some scholars and cultural advocates are calling for cockfighting to be included in heritage preservation and tourism initiatives. They argue that, with proper legal regulation and animal welfare protections, the tradition could be promoted through licensed arenas, special tournaments, and brand building, attracting both domestic and international visitors and boosting local economies.

A fighting rooster being weighed on a scale

A man tending to his rooster after the match

Technology is also entering the arena. Thai scientists are using genetic analysis to study native cockfighting breeds and enhance genetic diversity.

Fighting roosters for sale at a market in Thailand

From the flurry of feathers in the ring to the soaring prices in the market, from preserving rural traditions to embracing biotechnology, cockfighting in Thailand is no longer just a fight—it’s a living cultural practice navigating change. How it finds a balance between tradition and modernity remains both a challenge for governance and an opportunity for cultural renewal.