Horse racing in Thailand

Horse racing was introduced to Thailand in the late nineteenth century and continues to take place at several locations throughout the country.

Betting on horse races is one of the few legal forms of gambling in Thailand, and the sport became highly popular during the mid-twentieth century but has largely declined since.

Today, people from lower income groups form the majority of spectators, while the races serve as a networking venue for elite members of society, who own most of the stables.

The first horse race took place in Thailand (then known as Siam) in 1897, following King Chulalongkorn's visit to Europe.

In addition to the one left in Bangkok, there are racecourses in the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Roi Et, as well as in Chiang Mai.