Ko Muang Phet is the name of the buffalo that was recently transferred for a staggering price of 18 million baht (equivalent to over 12.3 billion dong).
According to The Nation, this is the transferred price of Ko Muang Phet buffalo from Morakot Farm to Wanasuwan Farm in Chiang Rai, during the 12th Uthai Thani Thai Buffalo Festival on March 12th.
The reason why Ko Muang Phet buffalo has such a “shocking” transfer price is because it is a giant white buffalo. This buffalo is raised and cared for by Mr. Damrongsak, the owner of Morakot Farm in Phetchaburi province (in southern Thailand). Although it is only nearly 5 years old, the Ko Muang Phet buffalo is 1.8 m tall, over 3 m long and weighs 1.5 tons. Over the years, this white buffalo has won the top breeding buffalo title in Thailand and has been unbeaten in competitions.
Ko Muang Phet buffalo not only has many outstanding advantages in appearance but also possesses characteristics that bring luck and prosperity to the owner. Photo: The Nation
In addition, according to experts, Ko Muang Phet buffalo also has the ability to give birth to white buffalo calves with a high rate of 90%. This means that 9 out of 10 calves born will be white. Therefore, Ko Muang Phet buffalo has become an important asset for buffalo farmers. Furthermore, on the body of Ko Muang Phet buffalo, there are feather swirls. According to Thai belief, this is considered a characteristic of a buffalo that is obedient and brings a lot of luck and prosperity to the owner.
In addition, the reason why Ko Muang Phet buffalo has a transfer price of over 12 billion dong is because of its fame. In fact, this buffalo made an impression in the entertainment industry of the Golden Temple country when it played the role of a buffalo of the character Ai Khlaow in the famous TV series Mon Rak Luk Thung.
Currently, Ko Muang Phet buffalo does not participate in competitions. Instead, it focuses on breeding.
A farmer’s life changed thanks to raising white buffalo
Ko Muang Phet buffalo brings a lot of luck to its owner Damrongsak. Photo: The Nation
Mr. Damrongsak shared that his passion for exploring the potential of buffalo farming in Thailand was the reason that led him to Ko Muang Phet buffalo. Just a few years after raising ordinary buffalo, he built his 9th farm in Tha Yang district, Phetchaburi, where he started making an annual profit of 8 million baht (about 5.5 billion dong).
However, Ko Muang Phet is the “precious gemstone” of Mr. Damrongsak. He bought this white buffalo in 2019 for 2 million baht (about 1.3 billion dong). Over the years, he has taken care of it very carefully. Thanks to this white buffalo, Damrongsak has made a lot of money to take care of his family, even building a house and buying a car.
“I have experienced many joys and sorrows with Ko Muang Phet buffalo, including during the Covid-19 pandemic with many difficulties“, Damrongsak said.
Saying goodbye to Ko Muang Phet buffalo is a difficult decision, but Damrongsak hopes that the new owner of this buffalo will continue to promote and expand its heritage, contributing to the development of Thailand’s white buffalo farming industry.
In fact, a billionaire in Dubai once asked to buy Ko Muang Phet buffalo at a very high price, but Damrongsak firmly refused to sell, as he wants this buffalo to be raised in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Wanasuwan Farm in Chiang Rai shared that they did not expect the previous owner of Ko Muang Phet buffalo to decide to sell it so easily. This person also added that the investment amount of over 12 billion dong to buy Ko Muang Phet buffalo is worth it.
The owner of Wanasuwan Farm believes that in the next 5 years, the revenue from selling the semen of Ko Muang Phet buffalo for breeding purposes will help him earn about 50 million baht/year (equivalent to over 34 billion dong). The owner of the farm said he will continue to take care of and nurture this rare buffalo so that it can give birth to many healthy offspring.
Reference article sources: Straintimes, The Nation
