Techiana Bros

Techavichian Brothers

Thailand

I have had several e-mails with Teerapol Techavichian a member of one of Thailand’s greatest ever racing lofts. So I asked if we could use some of the information in these cols and he has agreed, it’s always good to see how other fanciers around the world cope. The first part is regarding the foundation of their family with 10 generations of winners. In 1974, they breed 2 pigeons that are the legendary pair. First one, "General" R 74-22323 is direct son of the Blue " B-66" he was one of the best stock pigeons ever. Second one is "Madam General" R 74-02387 is direct daughter of the Limpt " B-66". She was an iron hard hen with exceptional race results. The combination of "General X Madam General" created one of the best stock pairs at their Lookgrok loft. Their golden bloodlines were also responsible for many base pigeons in the current top lofts in Thailand, all of their pigeons are their progeny and keep winning year after year. Their success has not come without problems and in 1984 this Lookgrok Loft simultaneously experienced the best and the most saddest event in its history. Basketing 28 birds for the Suklothai race, the Techavichian brothers won 25 prizes (1st, 2nd, 4th, 3 more prizes in the top 10 and 19 more prizes in the top 100), a car and money from betting that made this result look too good to be true and they not only disqualified the Lookgrok Loft but also banned it from racing altogether. Outraged, the Techavichian brothers decided to race in Thailand's other two clubs, despite their unfavourable geographical position they were not going to sit around and miss out on their hobby of racing pigeons. The week after the incident Lookgrok Loft again won a large amount of money in another club with C 84-33645 "Miss Lumpang" who was the nest sister of car winner C 84-00534 "Miss Suklothai". Once again, F 84 -44776 "Miss Phayao", who is their full sister "Miss Lumpang", won 5th at the Phayao race and won the 1st VIP Derby Ring with The Friendship Association. This result marked the start of a very successful decade of racing in the Thai Homing Pigeon Federation. From 1986 to 1991 the Techavichian brothers won every pool and all the big trophies (the King's Cup among them), breeding a lot of excellent racers from their basic strains. Moreover, these 3 super hens were direct daughters of their legendary "Blue One Flight". These 3 pigeon were named later "The Three Queen's Park Rangers". They re-call that the pigeon "Class of 1984" was the most successful in the history of their loft since they were not only the best racers but also exceptional breeders. In 1992 the Techavichian brothers' business forced them to temporarily quit racing, although they kept and maintained their breeding from their stock and taking care of the birds. Since they had an investment to look after and made the greatest announcement in the film processing business in Asia. They (The Ocean Film Company Limited) were the first in Asia to introduce the latest advanced technology in that industry. This was because of the advances available in computer technology relative to their business and it ensured that they were the number one Colour Photographic Processing business in Thailand. However they soon returned in all their glory when in 1998, The Techavichian brothers came back by winning the Thailand Championship Long Distance 1998 with Magic Boy. With a strong loft and years of experience the Techavichian brothers are looking to the future with high hopes in their hearts and they consider the pigeons are a part of the family. As one of the brothers Teerapol states "Our pigeons have given us so many honours. They have given us everything, including our companies Ocean Film Co., Ltd. and Ocean Paper Co., Ltd. These pigeons never let us down, not only on our loft but also on our friends' lofts". It seems like the competition in Thailand will have to live with the performances of Lookgrok Loft for many years to come! As mentioned earlier the "Lookgrok Strain" consists of descendents from 3 famous pigeons: the "Blue", responsible for the high speed characteristics, the "Limpt" for the endurance of the long distances and the "Wondere 888" , a true all rounder. When Techavichian Brothers cross the three they also get the golden triangle of Blue, Limpt and Famous 888, which works wonderfully because it combines the speed and accuracy, and the spirit of determination. They call this combination of the three "The Lookgrok Strain" Why can the Lookgrok strain produce all round pigeons? The reason is not only because of their excellent offspring but above all their bloodlines seem to strengthen and complement each other. It produces pigeons, which can be used for the ultimate goal.

Techavichian Brothers & Lookgrok Loft were Thailand’s Major Champions, The King’s Cup Winner 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003 and did the Hat-trick “Thailand Champion Long Distance 1998, 1999 & 2000” so they are not easy to beat. For a number of years now, Thailand has established itself firmly on the map of international pigeon sport. Thai fanciers have travelled the world, looking for good pigeons and now the world has come to Thailand for the well-known FCI Thailand World Championship. Among Thailand's finest we find the Techavichian Brothers' Lookgrok Loft that is one of the most successful lofts in Thailand who won several King's cup, Queen's cup and the Royal family's cup. In Thailand even to win one is very difficult but the Lookgrok loft has an excellent record.In the last few years their bird “Millennium Boy” became the winner of FCI Thailand World Champion competed with the pigeons from all over the world and “Super Girl” also won the crown for being Thailand Champion Long Distance. There are also others that have achieved success such as “Marion Jones” won the Queen’s Cup winner and “One Plus One” won King’s Cup. “Ronaldao” is a King’s Cup Winner; “Miss APEC” also won the King’s Cup. These honours are amongst many as the Lookgrok Loft has been one of Thailand's most outstanding lofts for more than three decades. They have also achieved a “Hat-trick” of wins and as champions they will be on record of Thailand pigeon sport forever. This is something, which only an excellent and fighting pigeon from a good loft with good treatment and of course in the hands of a good fancier can achieve. They have to thank “Rocket 445” who was to prove that her blood is the vital ingredient of the loft by being grandmother of the Magic Boy, Black Superman and Super Girl which were all winners of Thailand Champion Long Distance. The Blue and the Limpt! Enigmatic and obscure sounding names to most of Thai fanciers but not for ardent Thai pigeon racing fans who recognize them as having secured a place in Thai bird racing history on a par with today’s sports champions Tiger Woods or Selana & Venus Williiam. However, as we know, legends often have humble beginnings. Observers have wondered for years about the secret of the Lookgrok Loft success? in one word, it’s “the breeding”. They utilized the miracle of Blue & Limpt stock that gave the perfect combination of speed, power, enduranceand warrior spirit in their pigeons, this secret of breeding would put Thailand’s indelible stamp on the world of international pigeon racing. With strong teamwork among family members, excellent breeders & years of experiencecombined with the brightest creativity, the Techavichian brothers are still looking ahead with high hopes in their hearts, ready to take on the challenge of breaking their own record. It seems like the competition in Thailand will have to live with the performances of Lookgrok Loft for many years to come! Some of their famous stock birds include Blue One Flight The ancestor of many champion racing-birds, her “golden” blood flows through many of the pigeons from the Lookgrok family. Blue One Flight " R78- 20059" is a representative of the pure Limpt heritage; she is the third generation of “Madam General” a powerful and elegant hen. Like her contemporary Siam Pearl, Blue One flight was very successful in her racing career. She has demonstrated her power to transmit her qualities by producing many winners. It was always said that no matter what cock she was paired to, she could always produce something excellent as her offspring had the hallmarks of this true breeding hen. Strong genetic bloodlines and the ability to produce rows of excellent descendents, we can recognize them all very easily because of their marvellous eye sign and expression. Her most successful children are: A) Miss Suklothai, C84-00534, dam to “Rocket 445” who is grandmother to “Magic Boy”, “Black Superman” and “Super girl” which all of them are the winner of Thailand Champion 1999, 2000 & 2001. B) Miss Phayao, F84-44776, great-grandmother to “Wonder Girl” who is dam to “Black Superman” Thailand Champion 1999. Her grandson “Napoleon” is super breeder that is grandfather to “Miss Nana” 3rd prize-winner and 1st Ace Pigeon on Thailand World Championship international race for Sompong-Verbesselt-Van Riet and 8th prize-winner & 2nd Ace Pigeon and great-grandfather of Queen’s Cup Winner and 5th on Thailand Open Championship 2003, international race for Sompong-Verbesselt-Van Riet C) Miss Lumpang, C 84-33645, dam to "Magic Maker" and "Black Magic", is really exceptional. As can be seen her golden bloodline flows throughout the entire of Lookgrok family. These 3 super hens were direct daughters of their legendary "Blue One Flight", and were named later "The Three Queen's Park Rangers". We could call that the pigeon "Class of 1984" which were the most successful pigeons in the history of these loft since they were not only the best racers but also exceptional breeders. Her most successful grand children are: "Rocket 445" H86-33445 “the motor behind the successes of the Lookgrok family” “Black Magic” H91-22359 “ incalculable breeding value” “Magic Maker” H 89-22359 “as a breeder he has a lot to offer” All the Champions such as “Magic Boy” Thailand Champion 1998, “Black Superman” Thailand Champion and “Super girl” Thailand Champion are fifth generation from her. King's Cup Winner 2001, 2002 & 2003 like "One Plus One", "Ronaldo" and "Miss APEC" are sixth generation from her. Nowadays she still plays the significant role as the trademark of the Lookgrok Loft, she produced a bunch of excellent racers, especially "Miss Lumpang","Miss Suklothai"& "Miss Phayao" so called "The Three Queen's Park Rangers" and Magic Maker", "Black Magic" & "VIP Boy” so called "The Three Musketeers”. Then we have “The Platinum Pair” "Fabulous 46" C82-22146 X "Rocket 445" H86-33445 "Rocket 445"is the motor behind the successes of the Lookgrok family. "Fabulous 46" won more than 50 prizes; he is the ancestor of many champion racing-pigeons. He has also proved to be an excellent breeding cock and father and grandfather of many champions in Thailand. His bloodline is indeed a very valuable possession. "Rocket 445" is a daughter of Miss Suklothai. "She won more than 50 prizes, among which were 3 firsts, she became a marvellous hen and has proven that her blood is the vital engine for being grandmother of the Magic Boy, Black Superman and Super girl which all of them are the winner of Thailand Champion 1999, 2000 & 2001. Out of "Platinum pair" came champions such as "Miracle Boy", the King's Cup winner 1988 and the famous “Mister Thailand” the legendary producer and foundation cock no. 1 of Lookgrok, possibly the best producer of Thailand of the last century! An incredible number of outstanding champions in racing and breeding have been bred from him! The Golden Pair of “Wonder 888 Jr” X “Miss Lumpang” C84-33645. “Golden Pair” this excellent breeding pair consists of “Miss Lumpang” X “Wonder 888 Jr”. "Miss Lumpang” is a cross between the "Blue" and the "Limpt" lines and a typical bird of the Lookgrok Loft. "Wonder 888 Jnr." is a direct grandson out of the "Wonder 888". The pair produced many all round pigeons for the Techavichian brothers, among them the so-called "three musketeers". A) “Magic Maker” H 89-22359 is a very excellent racer and won many top prizes. He is the most famous son of the golden pair. He has already produced winners in 5 generations and he was used heavily and was paired to many excellent specimens, as a breeder he always had a lot to offer. The exceptional good inheritance is proved by the fact that he mates to several hens and always gave incredible good youngsters. With the results he achieved in both racing and breeding activities, he will remain a living force as long as descendents from him are with this successful loft. He is sire of champions like -“Miss Mae Sai”, Thailand Champion long distance, “Miss Menam”, 4th Thailand World Championship, International race. -“Pretty Girl I, II & III” He is sire of exceptional breeder like - “Empire Maker” sire to “Capriati” Runner-up of Queen’s Cup Winner, “Secretariat” sire to “Miss Rainny” 2nd from Nakorn Sri Thammaraj, 592 Km, - “Seabiscuit” - “Forego” sire to “Lexus” 5th Chiangrai 680 km on King’s Cup winner 2003 race. - “Damascus” sire to “Hingis” 1st from Chiang Mai 580 km. “Dream Girl” dam to -“Millennium Girl” King’s Cup Winner, “Dream Girl II” dam to – “Spendid Boy” 3rd Chiangrai 680 km on King’s Cup winner 2002 race. He is grandsire of champions like -“Millennium Girl” King’s Cup Winner, “Marion Jones” Queen’s Cup winner 2001. -“Capriati” Runner-up of Queen’s Cup Winner 2001 -“Hingis” 1st from Chiang Mai 580 km. “See you Later” 2nd from Chiang Mai 580 km. 2001 -“Angle Girl” 1st from Chiang Mai 580 km. 2002 -“Miss Rainny” 2nd from Nakornsrithammaraj, 592 Km, only 2 birds could finish the prizes. “Lexus” 5th Chiangrai 680 km on King’s Cup winner 2003 race. Also great-granddaughter of “One Plus One” won King’s Cup Winner 2001 B) “Black Magic” H91-22359 is an excellent racer and one of the most victorious pigeons from the Golden Pair then he is full brother of Magic Maker. He is the prototype of their young generation pigeon of the 90's. He has the splendid eyes and perfect build with all the quality to become an excellent stock cock that incalculable breeding value. His daughter “Serena” is a member of the Prince’s Cup winner 1999 Team. His grandson “Millennium Boy” is the winner of Thailand Championship 2000 international race. His great-granddaughter, “Miss Nana” is 1st ACE-PIGEON & 3rd Thailand World Championship 2002 international race from Bung-Kan 610 km, for Sompong-Verbesselt-Van Riet. Recently, another great-granddaughter “Miss APEC” won King’s Cup Winner 2003. “Mister Thailand” number 1 cock of Lookgrok dynasty, possibly the best producer of Thailand of the last century! An incredible number of outstanding champions in racing and breeding have been bred from him! He is the son of the famous Platinum Pair “Rocket 445 X Fabulous 46”. He has established his power to transmit his qualities by producing many winners in several generations. No matter what hen he has been paired to, he always produces something of excellent quality. His favourite hens are “Miss Chiangrai” and “Miss Chiangmai” H98-76312. He has produced top quality breeders and champions like -“Magic Boy” Thailand Champion 1999 and sire of “One Plus One” King’s Cup Winner 2001 -“Super Girl” Thailand Champion 2000, -"Magic Boy II" sire to "Ronaldo" King's Cup Winner 2002, -“Venus” member of Prince’s Cup Winner 1999 Team, dam to “Golden Lady” 5th Thailand World Championship 2000 international race -"Miracle Girl”, who is the absolute top class racer and breeder -"Spice Girl" 4th Thailand Champion 2002, dam to "Miss APEC" King's Cup Winner 2003 -“Crazy Girl” 8th Maesai 740 km, 2003. More next week on this incredible family that are ahead of the game and certainly have a family of pigeons that are reproducing year after year.

The family were Thailand Champion Long Distance 1993, 1998, 1999 & 2000. “Miss Mae Sai” Thailand Champion long distance 1993, H 93-33388 won 1st Mai-sai at 744 km. She is a direct daughter of "Magic Maker" who is the son of the Golden Pair, she has proved her breeding qualities as her granddaughter “Millennium Girl” is the winner of King’s Cup 1999 and “Capriati” is the runner up of Queen’s Cup winner 2000-2001, her grandson “Splendid Boy” is the 3rd of the King’s Cup winner 2000 and “Lexus” is the 5th of the King’s Cup 2002. Her great-granddaughter “One Plus One” is the winner of King’s Cup winner 2001. "Magic Boy" Thailand Champion Long distance 1998, T98-55155 won 1st Mai-sai at 744 km. He is the son of the legendary producer and foundation cock no. 1 of Techavichian Brothers, the famous "Mister Thailand", possibly the best producer of Thailand of the last century! An incredible number of outstanding champions in racing and breeding have been bred from him! And his dam is “Miss Chiangrai” which is the very foundation hen of the loft. She is the pure Limpt and she also won 4th Chiangrai, 680 km, in 1992 so the breeding is over a long period of time and this is the perfect combination of performance, power and elegance. Mister Thailand is the last son of the Platinum Pair and is also a brother of “Miracle Boy” who won King's Cup Winner 1988. Magic Boy is an excellent and flexible racer with the capability to fly in different climates and distances at any speed plus he was the crowned Thailand Champion 1998 in his first years racing. When he was paired with “Millennium Girl” King's Cup winner of 1999 which we call "One Plus One pair" he was responsible for “One Plus One” the winner of King’s Cup 2001. “Black Superman” Thailand Champion long distance 1999, T99-24282 is one of the other highlights at Lookgrok loft. With his greatest performance in racing, Black Superman was attempting to become the Double Champion Winner from longest route in Thailand. “Double Champion Black Superman” won in 1999 1st Maesai-Bangkok for being Thailand Champion long distance 1999 and the following race he also won 1st Maesai-Bangkok, 740 km race, with the Thai Homing Pigeon Federation. This makes him the only bird to win the Maesai-Bangkok race in 3 different Associations. He is direct son of “Wonder Boy” R97-65482 X “Wonder Girl” H98-77030. "Wonder Boy" is a son of "Rocket 445" when pair with son of "Fabulous 46". So he is the third generation of “Legendary Rocket 445” which is the foundation of new era of Lookgrok strain. "Black Superman" paired with “Hingis” who win the 1st prize Chiang Mai gain 1st prize in the Sigaburi race he is perhaps the best Maesai–Bangkok racer ever. Techavichian Brothers are very confidant that this cock will secure the breeding quality that will ensure the future for Lookgrok loft. “Super Girl” Thailand Champion long distance 2000, T00-50963 is one of the best descendent of “Legendary Rocket 445”. Techavichian Brother had waited for a champion worthy of the coveted triple Crown, and on that day, they were not disappointed. The triumph from Maesai – Bangkok puts the Techavichian Brothers on top by creating the hat trick for Thailand Champion for 3 year in the row, which started from 1998, 1999 and 2000. Her sire is “Mister Thailand”, a legendary producer and foundation cock no. 1 of Techavichian Brothers, possibly the best producer of Thailand of the last century! who has already produced top winning birds like “Magic Boy” Thailand Champion Long Distance 1999, "Magic Boy II" sire of "Ronaldo" King's Cup Winner 2002, "Miracle Girl, who is the absolute racer and "Spice Girl" 4th Thailand Champion 2002 and dam of "Miss APEC" King's Cup Winner 2003. The King’s Cup Winner 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003 “Millennium Girl” T99-12027 won King’s Cup winner 1999. she is one of the showpieces of Lookgrok Loft. All the important pigeons from the Lookgrok strain are a combination of this magnificent hen. She is the third generation of Miss Maesai who is the winner of Thailand Champion 1993. After the victory at Cheingrai-Bangkok, 680 km, race, she was promoted to be crowning of the King’s Cup Winner 1999; she was soon put into the breeding stock loft where she has already proven that she is a good breeder when she was paired to “Miracle Boy”, who is the winner of Thailand Champion 1998, produces a daughter who win 5th in Thailand Champion race in 2000. Her most distinguished daughter is “One Plus One” who also wins the same title “King’s Cup Winner 2001” with her. “Millennium Boy” FCI-2000-1164 won King's Cup Winner 2000, also won FCI Thailand World Championship 2000 International Race in Bangkok for the partner of new millennium “Techavichian & Thone”. The weather was extremely hot for the pigeons and “Millennium Boy ” finished with a speed of only 950 meters/minute from Chiengmai-Bangkok, 580 km. Only 7 pigeons out of 904 pigeons arrived home on the liberation day. He is the production from crossing between Lookgrok stain from “Pegasus” a son of “Black Magic” who won 3rd Cheingmai – Bangkok crossbred with “Claudius” a daughter of Arnoldus “Winner snelheid” X Fortuna “11th national Bourges 67,985 pigeons” from Jos Thone. “Black Magic” is also the brother of “Legendary Rocket 445” & "Magic Maker" “One Plus One” won King’s Cup Winner 2001 from Cheingrai-Bangkok, 680 km. She is named after her parent which both of them being winning machines. Her sire is “Magic Boy” the Thailand Champion long distance 1998 and her dam is “Millennium Girl” the King’s Cup Winner 1999 so she is product from Champion pair with Champion. "Ronaldo" won King’s Cup Winner 2002. He is son of "Magic Boy II" which is full-brother to “Magic Boy” the Thailand Champion 1998 when pair with "Golden Girl". “Ronaldo" always shows himself to full advantage and had great successes in all races in which he was entered. "Miss APEC" won King’s Cup Winner 2003 from Nakornsawan-Bangkok, 215 km. She is as talented as she looked, and shows the ability to race, and always has a chance because she refused to be beaten, she is named after the APEC event in Thailand. She is daughter of FCI-00-1164 “Millennium Boy”, King's Cup Winner 2000 & Thailand World Championship 2000 International Race, when paired with 4th Thailand Champion long distance 2001 "Spice Girl" T01-55166, who is half sister to "Magic Boy" Thailand Champion long distance 1998 and full sister of "Super Girl" Thailand Champion long distance 2000. The Queen's Cup Winner 2001“Marion Jones” T00-2566 the Queen’s Cup winner and “Capriati” T00-2568 the runner up of Queen’s Cup winner 2000-2001 have proven again that the third generation of “Magic Maker” still carry his magic to their progeny to winthe prestiges cup. They are not only great breeding hens, but were terrific flyers as well. Of course there are such famous Racers as “Pretty Girl” T98-76309 who is one of the super star racers and scored a fantastic series of results at Lookgrok loft; she is direct daughter of “Magic Maker”. With her outstanding performance this makes her a very famous racer and she is also a true breeder. In 2001 her daughter "See You Later" T01-55168 won 2nd from Chiang Mai then in 2002 her daughter "Angle Girl" T02-03107 who is full sister to "See You Later" T01-55168, won 1st from Chiang Mai 580 km. “Miracle Girl” H99-11138 is one of the true super stars in Lookgrok loft. She is the daughter of the legendary producer and foundation cock no. 1 of Techavichian Brothers, the famous "Mister Thailand". She is real racer and devastating everything to confront her when she is in top from, it is hard to stop her. She is a very reliable for Thai Fanciers who love to compete in the long distant races. She finished 4th Maesai–Bangkok, 740 km, in 1999, this race is a reminder to fanciers as she has set all records for all categories that one pigeon could win all the prizes in one race. She is one of the successful racers just like her brother “Magic Boy” who won 1st Maesai-Bangkok in Thailand Champion 1998. She is also a granddaughter of “Legendary Rocket 445”. "Angle Girl" T02-03107 is a daughter of “Goldwing” H98-46372 X “Pretty Girl” H99-76309 which is no wonder this phenomenal pair breeds super pigeons. She won 1st prize from Chiang Mai 580 km in 2002 and also her full-sister “See You Later” won 2nd from the same race in 2001. “Golden Lady” FCI-2000-1159 is the crossing between Lookgrok strains from full sister of “Super Girl” crossbred with the son from “Junior Marathon” the breeder from Carlo, Remi Gyslebrecht who enter their birds to race under the partnership of “Techavichian & Gyselbrecht”. On the race she finished 5th from Thailand World Championship 2000 and the winner is "Millennium Boy" winner of the King's Cup by “Techavichian & Thone”. Next week to finish off we have a series of questions answered by the partnership. What I will say is the European’s don’t know how lucky they are with the conditions that we race out pigeons under because they are totally different from some parts of the world.

All nine brothers in the family share their duties in taking care of the pigeons in this loft. They also share their duties in breeding, training, racing and problem solving. The main topics in this family are the printing business and pigeon racing and they always respect one another that is why they are so successful. It is not very easy to find a large family such as the Techavichian Family who have the same interest in pigeon racing and they work together for the same goal.

A: Our dad was the one who started racing pigeon in our family; however, he was too busy to carry on the activity. In 1968 three clubs in Thailand set up the program “Champ of Champs” for the racing point Maechan. I was 10 years old boy, and my brothers were interesting in racing for the Championship. We decided to join the program with the 1000 baht fee, which was a big amount of money for kids like us. Our bird was the last one to be registered for the racing, and it was the Champion of that race. It was a great memory that happened 38 years ago.

Q: Would you tell us about the results of your racing during the last 5 years? Which one is your best performance?

A: All the events that we were participating were so important for us: whatsoever, the results would be. The excitement always happens when the first pigeon lands to the loft. We enjoyed the winning of more than 30 cups from the races during past several years, especially, the King’s Cups of both the national and international racing. The best performance is the winning of Champ of Champs for three consecutive years.

A: We look at the strong Pedigree because our own colony has a very good performance during the past 4 decades. To improve its strength we always look for the speed pigeons and make use of only 25% of their bloodlines.

A: I am a dreamer who always thinks about something different. It was the Barcelona international wined by Jos Thone and his partner Willem that drew my attention. I had a chance to join with Jos Thone and won Thailand World Champion in 2000 under the name of Techavichian & Thone. After that success we start thinking about racing in Europe, and Belgian is our main destination. In 2004 we visited Belgians many times, and the key success was we met a very good friend, Jos Veulemans. This year, 2006, is the beginning of a new team Veulemans – Techavichian. We did agree to set a 3 years plan to go for The International Barcelona which is the best world class racing. The loft manager is Willy Preuveneers, and the adviser is Fauche Brother who is the winner of the 2003 International Barcelona.

Q. How many races and training tosses do you give your pigeons in their year of birth?

Young birds at year of birth in this definition means pigeons of about eight months or older and have completed their body and wing molt. In Thailand, we can race pigeons almost all year round but the most popular races are the northern route flown during the months of September to January when the weather is cooler or less hot, to be precise. Temperature is around 30-35 degree Celsius with side North Easterly wind.There are normally 16 races in the program starting from about 120 km to 750 km. And training tosses is 2-3 times per week, which depends on the distances that are in the program. The longer races from have gained popularity in recent years due to heavy promotions on derby rings and pool money.

We use nest box but not on a pure widowhood method. One may tease a racer by showing the opposite sex but definitely not allowing them to rear youngsters a couple months before the race.

Flying to eggs or youngsters gives very limited success. Big pigeons are totally useless as racers especially if they are cocks. First generations from imports may perform very well in good weather condition but better results would be from the cross with local birds. Many good long distance pigeons from abroad could not reach their full potential because the derby ring system pushes young pigeons much too far in their first year of age.

Yes. We focus on middle to long distance races ranging between 500-800 km; although, most of our birds are all round type flying well from 200-800 km. It is the fact that the location of the loft is the key factor for the winners of short to middle distance races due to the wind effect. Fanciers who live in the western side of Bangkok will be preferred to race for the north and f the south routes. The northeasterly wind would simply blow southbound pigeons to the west. Therefore, lofts in extreme west area are not allowed to buy derby rings especially for short distance races. Then long distance is the best race and the fair one for all locations.

Yes, after I have met Dr. Henk De Weerd in 2001 when he visited my loft from that time to now I use his produce from Belgica De Weerd such as Parastop – against paratyphoid, and B.S. – against Canker & coccidiosis.

Both crossing and inbreeding gave us fantastic champions. We use inbreeding to produce breeders. A cross that gave them the best was a couple of their birds mated to birds from Jos Thone, Gyselbrecht and Houben and the most successful is Lookgrok 75%: Jos Thone, Gyselbrecht or Houben at 25%. Nowadays we try to cross with Verbruggen, Dobbelaere, Fauche & Veulemans as most of our pigeons are line-breed and inbreed over 30 years then crossing always give us the better result.

Racing Activities in Thailand: There are four active associations registered in Bangkok including the Thai Racing Pigeon Federation (TRPF), which was recently established by a group of most accomplished fanciers and businessmen with unblemished records. The new federation is met with immediate success and the sport is looking forward to a new level of transparency and good governance in pigeon club management. Races are organized almost all year round but the major ones are from the north route during the period from mid September to January. Pigeons fly with cool North Easterly tail wind from 140 km up to 750 km distance and the full program contains 15-16 races. Races from the northeast direction cover the period from March until May (10+/-races) and this time against the wind and severe heat. The last leg is along the costal line from the south in the monsoon season from June-early August. Average total entry in a good race is around 1500-2000 pigeons while more than 3000 birds are entered for some early races. Les. It has been interesting seeing how they race their birds and the problems that arise in comparison to the birds raced here in the UK. We all have our problems and we all overcome them, once again thanks to Teerapol for his time in gathering and sending information.