Audemars Piguet Wins Battle of the Titans to Take Home
the 2010 King’s Cup Elephant Tournament

After a week of intense competition the crowds were treated to a nail biting final show down with the Audemars Piguet team emerging as the victors to take the 2010 King’s Cup Elephant Polo held at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Mai.

Audemars Pigeut Triumphs over King Power to Win the Ninth
King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

This year’s annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament held in the idyllic surroundings of the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort provided spectators with nail biting matches, a beautiful setting and a great cause to rally around.

Timeless Classics From Kalaan Brothers Take Audemars Piguet to a New Level in 2010 King’s Cup Elephant Tournament

The unbeatable power of brothers Uday and Angaad Kalaan shone through on the field today as the mighty Audemars Piguet team came from behind to win by a resounding four points over team SOCO in what could be described as the comeback game of the tournament.

Clash of the Titan’s as Veuve Clicquot battles with KBank in
2010 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament’s Match of the Day

In what described as a ‘passionate and emotional’ match, spectators were treated to one of the most electric games of the 2010 Kings Cup Elephant Polo when team KBank was pitted against the mighty Veuve Clicquot.

Notes from the Field:
John Roberts, a Man of Many (Elephant) Hats

When asked what impelled him to work with elephants, Director of Anantara Elephant Camp John Roberts admits it wasn’t the elephants themselves. Rather, it was the deep and enduring culture which surrounds them which piqued his interest.

Vintage Polo from SOCO International and PricewaterhouseCoopers WEPA Legends at the 2010 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

A fiercely fought match saw SOCO International steal victory from the grasp of the talented PricewaterhouseCoopers WEPA Legends!

Notes from the Field :
Kh. Cherry, an Elephants Best Friend

Though Elephant Polo is currently largely dominated by men, there is a strong and enthusiastic female presence at the tournament as well – and not just among the players. Aside from this year’s all-female elephant polo team (the IBM Spice Girls) one of the most important figures on the field is Cherry Keratimanochaya, 26. Cherry is the veterinarian responsible for the health and well-being of the elephants here. Additionally, as the official elephant vet of Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, she’s involved year-round in taking care of the animals and teaching tourists about basic elephant health care.

Team King Power Duty Free Fought a Tough Battle to Triumph over Four Season’s Tented Camp at the 10th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Superior skills and strategy delivered a solid win for King Power on the first day of play at the King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament

Notes from the Field :
King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Anantara Golden Triangle.
A Sporting Retreat for Elephants

Among the other various exotic sights in Bangkok, visitors are often shocked to see elephants shambling down the main thoroughfares, their owners generally using them to solicit money from tourists. It hardly seems a proper lifestyle for these magnificent animals, and of course it’s not: navigating the bustle of a metropolis is psychologically challenging, not to mention fraught with danger.

Notes from the Field :
King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Anantara Golden Triangle

One aspect of Thailand which tends to be remarked upon by visitors is the fascinating contrast between modern development and ancient traditions. And while some of these ancient traditions are in danger of disappearing, visitors to Thailand are mesmerised by Thailand’s traditional culture often helps to protect and reassert the importance of these antique ways.

Notes from the Field :
King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Anantara Golden Triangle.

Charming little Chiang Saen town in northern Thailand was once the seat of an empire; today it’s so peaceful that a herd of elephants could easily shamble through town and few would notice. However, when exactly that happened this Monday, the whole town did in fact sit up and take notice.

The King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament 2010 returns on March 22, 2010!

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced the 2010 dates for the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. The highly popular event will take place from March 22 to March 28 in the northernmost region of Thailand known as the Golden Triangle.

Friday practice sessions

The Anantara and local teams will be practicing every Friday morning at 10am throughout February and March on the Anantara pitch, home to the King's Cup.  Why not come along and witness the local talent as they prepare to take on the greats of the game?  There may even be a chance to try out for the team.