Kai Lueng Hang Khao (Yellow Chicken with White Tail): The Royal Fighting Cock

Well known among Thai cockfight aficionados, Kai Lueng Hang Khao (yellow chicken with a white tail) originates from Krang village in Thailand's northern province of Phitsanulok, where villagers have been breeding this rooster for cockfighting competitions since ancient times.

Almost every village festival would feature a cockfight; yet, in the past this type of cock was formerly bred only in the royal palace, until villagers were also allowed to breed them.

Its face much like a peafowl, Kai Lueng Hang Khao is as proud as a lion, with puffed out chest and head held high displaying its scarlet crest and wattle; its elegant yellow feathers and long, white tail. Because of its graceful looks, strength and fighting spirit, this rooster is the pride of Phitsanulok Province.

Some historical records accredit King Naresuan the Great with bringing this fighting cock to fight against Royal Burmese fighting cocks, with the Thai cock establishing supremacy and conquering its Burmese opponents. Afterwards, the cock was given the name Kai Chon Phra Naresuan Kai Chao Liang (King Naresuan the Great fighting cock).

The price of a good fighting cock can range from between 1000 baht (US$ 25) and 10,000 baht (US$ 250) or more with monthly feeding costs of about 100 Baht for a diet of broken rice. Current export of Thai cocks to Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei is valued at more than 1 million Baht a year.