by Thai PBS World September 29, 2025

A seven-year-old boy in Phetchaburi province has captured the attention of social media users with his unusual mode of transportation; a water buffalo, named ‘Kalamae’.

For the past two years, ‘Fluke’, a second-grade student at Nong Som Temple School in Khao Yoi district, has been riding Kalamae, to class, a distance of about 800 meters from his home.

A familiar sight for locals, every morning, at around 6.40am, ‘Fluke’ begins his day by giving a respectful wai to his travelling companion and Kalamae will lower her head, allowing ‘Fluke’ to step onto her horns and then climb onto her back. Then, they make their way to school.

Upon arrival, ‘Fluke’ ties Kalamae up near a small pond in front of the school grounds. There, the buffalo rests patiently, until the school day ends at around 4pm and the pair head home together.

Nopparat Choochuen, said her son began learning to ride buffaloes at the age of six. She described his deep affection for animals, especially buffaloes, cows and fighting cocks.

“Kalamae is gentle, well-trained and very familiar with ‘Fluke’. She knows the exact route to and from school and has never strayed off course,” she said.

This heartwarming story came to public attention through a local Facebook travel page, ‘Kleum Patiew Phetchaburi’, which interviewed ‘Fluke’ and documented his daily journey.

The posts quickly went viral, drawing praise and admiration from netizens.

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/a-unique-ride-to-school-on-the-back-of-a-buffalo/59038

SOURCE: Thai PBS World, Thailand, September 29, 2025

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