Sport in Thailand explained

Sports in Thailand play a significant role in Thai culture, with both participants and spectators engaging in a wide variety of activities. Muay Thai, a traditional martial art, is deeply ingrained in Thai history and has evolved into national sport. Aside from muay Thai, association football is the most popular sport in Thailand, followed by volleyball and badminton. There is also a diverse range of sports that are also popular throughout the country, including tennis, golf, swimming, athletics, cycling, motorsports, snooker, and sepak takraw, which is one of Thailand's two national sports along with muay Thai. Water sports such as scuba diving, kiteboarding, jet skiing, surfboarding, rafting, sea kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding, long boat racing, and long-tail boat racing are also popular among sports tourists and locals alike.

Thailand has a history of competing in and achieving success in international sports competitions, as well as making remarkable contributions to regional events. The country has won the most medals in the Southeast Asian Games multiple times and has ranked first in the region. Moreover, Thailand has ranked as high as seventh in the all-time medal standings at the Asian Games. Additionally, Thailand has also earned the most gold medal in the Olympics among Southeast Asian countries.

Multi-sport events within the country, such as the Thailand National Games and the Thailand National Youth Games, provide a platform for athletes from all provinces to participate, showcasing Thailand's ability to foster and develop sports at the grassroots level and encouraging healthy competition among young athletes. These events are organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), which is responsible for promoting and developing sports in the country. The SAT collaborates with various sports associations and organizations to host national and international events with the support of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), which provides financial assistance for the development of sports in Thailand. Furthermore, Thailand also celebrates a National Sports Day annually on December 16, which aims to promote sports and physical activity across the country with various events and activities organized in different regions to encourage participation and healthy competition among the public.

Traditional sports

National sports

Muay Thai

See main article: Muay Thai. Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs", is a traditional martial art and national sport of Thailand.[1] [2] It has its roots in ancient Thai military training and was developed as a form of unarmed combat that utilizes fists, elbows, knees, shins, and feet for strikes. Prior to the introduction of gloves, fighters used rope-bound hands for striking in Muay Boran, an ancient martial art of Thailand that influenced the development of modern-day Muay Thai. Today, Muay Thai fighters are required to wear protective gloves during fights. Over time, Muay Thai became a sport and a form of self-defense in Thailand. It has been a part of Thai culture for centuries, with King Chulalongkorn's reign in 1868 often considered as the golden age for the sport.

One of the most famous legends in Muay Thai is that of Nai Khanom Tom, a warrior who was captured by the Burmese. He was chosen to fight in a festival where he won against 10 of the best Burmese fighters, using his skills in Muay Boran. This feat is celebrated in Thailand on March 17 every year as National Muay Thai Day.

While Muay Thai has been popular in Thailand for a long time, it gained widespread popularity in the western world in the late 20th century. Today, Muay Thai is both a professional and amateur sport, with many fighters competing in stadiums across Thailand and in international competitions. The two most prestigious stadiums for Muay Thai matches in Thailand are the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, both located in Bangkok. These stadiums have hosted some of the biggest Muay Thai fights in history and are considered the pinnacle of the sport. Muay Thai is also showcased in various professional organizations and competitions, such as ONE Championship, which is known for featuring top Muay Thai fighters from around the world. As of January 11, 2023, Muay Thai has been officially recognized as a new member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).[3] This recognition brings the sport one step closer to potentially being included in future Olympic Games.

Notable Muay Thai fighters include Buakaw Banchamek, Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, and Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.

Sepak takraw

See main article: Sepak takraw. Takraw, also known as Sepak Takraw, is one of Thailand's national sports, alongside Muay Thai. The game has a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya period when its earliest versions were played without a net. The traditional game involved passing a rattan ball to another person using only the feet, knees, chest, and head, without letting it touch the ground. Takraw has since evolved into a fiercely competitive sport and began taking shape in Thailand. The first official rules for Takraw were established by the Siam Sports Association in 1829. After four years, the association incorporated a volleyball-style net and organized the inaugural public competition. The sport then quickly gained popularity and was soon incorporated into the Physical Training curriculum in schools. The game is also known by different names and played in various ways in other Southeast Asian countries. In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur to standardize the guidelines for the sport, ultimately agreeing to officially call it "Sepak Takraw" after intense debate.

Thailand is the most successful team in Sepak Takraw, having won all the tournaments in the ISTAF World Cup in both men's and women's categories in 2011 and 2017, and four gold medals in all of the premier division's events they participated in at the 2022 tournament. They have also won the most gold medals in the King's Cup Sepaktakraw World Championship, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games.

The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), which is the international governing body for the sport of Sepak takraw, was established in 1988 with five founding member countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT) was founded in 1983 and has played a crucial role in the development and promotion of the sport in Thailand and globally.

Other sports

Krabi krabong

Krabi Krabong is a traditional martial art of Thailand that combines various weapons and techniques. While it was originally developed for combat and self-defense, it has evolved into a competitive sport as well. In modern times, Krabi Krabong tournaments and competitions are held to showcase the skills of practitioners, as well as to promote the art form to a wider audience. Competitions typically involve a series of solo and group performances, with competitors demonstrating their proficiency with weapons such as the sword, staff, and spear.

Long-tail boat racing

Long-tail boat racing is a boat racing involves racing long-tail boats, also known as "Ruea Hang Yao". These wooden boats have been used for transportation and fishing in Thailand for centuries and are powered by an engine mounted on a long pole at the rear. Thanks to their agility and speed, they're perfect for racing, and the Thailand Powerboat Association is the governing body that oversees the sport. They organize the annual Thailand Long-Tail Boat Championship, which takes place in various locations throughout Thailand.

Long boat racing

Long boat racing is a traditional Thai boat racing that dates back to ancient times. It was mentioned in historical archives during the Ayutthaya period, including those of La Loubère, a French diplomat who visited the kingdom in the 17th century. The sport features long boats ranging from small to large, crewed by skilled paddlers who compete along a distance of about 600–650 meters, with a buoy to indicate the distance every 100 meters. Today, long boat racing is a popular traditional festival held in every region of Thailand, at both the regional and national level.

Makruk

Makruk is a strategic board game similar to chess, but with some distinct differences, such as a smaller board and different pieces. The game is played by two players with the objective of capturing the opponent's king, just like in chess. Widely played in Thailand, Makruk has gained recognition as a national heritage, with tournaments and competitions held regularly. Makruk has also been featured in the Southeast Asian Games.

Dab Thai

Dab Thai, also known as Thai fencing, is a sport developed from Krabi-Krabong by Lieutenant Commander Charoon Trairat in 1935. The sport originated from the Sri Trirat Sword School and was developed into a competitive fighting game that aimed to simulate real-life situations. It differs from fencing as it utilizes Thai swords, which are single-edged and curved. The sport gained popularity at Chulalongkorn University, where a competition for the title of Khun Phon Chula was held, drawing the attention of students from various universities. Today, the Thai Sports Association under the Royal Patronage has pushed for the development of Dab Thai to become an international standard and it is recognized as a Thai national conservation sport. Various agencies, including the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, provide assistance to the sport's growth. Dab Thai became a demonstration sport at the 38th Thailand National Youth Games, which took place in Nakhon Sawan province between March 25, 2023, and April 3, 2023.[4]

Team sports

Basketball

Basketball was introduced to Thailand in the 1930s when Mr. Noppakhun Pongsuwan, a Chinese teacher, helped the Department of Physical Education translate the rules of the game. In 1953, the Amateur Basketball Association of Thailand was established and registered with the National Cultural Council, later becoming the Basketball Association of Thailand (BSAT). The BSAT joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on July 10, 1953. Since then, the national team has participated in regional competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games and achieved some success. In 2012, the establishment of the Thailand Basketball League (TBL) has brought increased attention and investment to the sport.

Football

See main article: Football in Thailand. Football is the most popular sport in Thailand, with a strong domestic league and passionate fanbase. The Thailand national football team, nicknamed the War Elephants, has a long history and has consistently been one of the top teams in Southeast Asia. They have won the AFF Championship seven times, in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022. The team has also achieved some success on the continental stage, finishing third in the 1972 AFC Asian Cup. Thailand is also a dominant force in Southeast Asian football, with the men's team winning the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games a record 16 times. The team has also advanced to the final round of World Cup qualification twice, in 2002 and 2018, but unfortunately, they have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup so far. In addition, Thailand's U-23 team has won the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games a record 7 times. The U-17 team has qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup twice and became the AFC champion in 1998. The Thai League 1, is the top professional football league in the country. Established in 1996, the league currently consists of 16 teams. Some of the most popular and successful teams in the league include Buriram United, Muangthong United, and Chonburi FC.

Thailand also has a strong women's football program, with the women's national team nicknamed the Chaba Kaew. The team won the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 1983 and have qualified for two FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019. In addition, the team has won the AFF Women's Championship four times, in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018. The women's team has also had success in the Southeast Asian Games, winning the championship five times, in 1985, 1995, 1997, 2007, and 2013. There is also a women's league in Thailand, called the Thai Women's League, which was established in 2009 and currently consists of 10 teams.

The Football Association of Thailand also known as FA Thailand is responsible for organizing and overseeing football in the country, including the national team and domestic league.

Futsal

Thailand has a strong presence in futsal, a growing sport in the country. The national futsal team, known as the Chang Suek Toh Lek, has achieved notable success in the Asian Futsal Championship, finishing as runners-up in 2008 and 2012 and earning third place in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2016. The team has also qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup six times, establishing itself as one of the top teams in Asia. Both the men's and women's national futsal teams have dominated the Southeast Asian Games, winning the championship in every edition where futsal was included. The national teams have also secured the AFF Futsal Championship title 16 times, underscoring their position as one of the strongest teams in the region. The Thailand Futsal League, founded in 2006, is the premier professional futsal league in the country and features 14 teams. The most successful teams in the league include Chonburi Blue Wave, Port Futsal Club, and CAT Telecom Futsal Club. The Football Association of Thailand also oversees futsal in the country.

Rugby union

See main article: Rugby union in Thailand. In 1938, the Thai Rugby Union was established and later legally registered in 1939. The sport, however, is not widely popular in Thailand, as association football remains the dominant sport. Despite this, rugby union is slowly growing in popularity, with more and more people becoming interested in the sport, particularly in the Bangkok area.

Teqball

Teqball is a new sport that has gained popularity in Thailand. Invented in 2012 by three young Hungarians, Teqball combines elements of popular games like association football and table tennis. The game is played on a curved table, and players hit a football with any part of the body except arms and hands. The Teqball Association of Thailand was established in 2020 and quickly gained attention from Thai sports fans. At the 2022 Teqball World Championships in Germany, the Thai Teqball team impressed foreign players with their floating and sepak takraw-style kicks. Despite not winning any medals, they were voted as the public's favorite team and played an exciting exhibition match against the Brazilian team.

Ice hockey

Ice hockey has been played in Thailand since the 1980s. The Ice Skating Association of Thailand, established in 1976, was later renamed to the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand (IHAT). Despite the tropical climate and lack of ice rinks, the popularity of ice hockey has grown in Thailand, with several teams competing in local and international tournaments. The Thai national ice hockey teams have achieved some results in international competitions, with the men's team participating in the World Championships, Asian Winter Games, and Challenge Cup of Asia, and the women's team competing in the World Championships, Asian Winter Games, and Women's Challenge Cup of Asia.

Volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in Thailand, with both the men's and women's national teams having achieved some success on the international stage. The women's team has won the gold medal at the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship twice, in 2009 and 2013, and the silver medal twice, in 2017 and 2019. They also won the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and have won the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games a record 15 times, most recently in 2021. In addition, they have won two gold medals at the ASEAN Grand Prix in 2019 and 2022, and finished 8th place in the FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League in 2022, as well as finishing in 13th place in the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in 2022, 2018, 2010, and 1998. The men's team has also achieved success in regional competitions, winning the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games eight times, in 1985, 1995, 2001, 2005, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. They also reached the semi-finals and finished in 4th place at the 2010 Asian Games.

The Volleyball Thailand League was founded in 2005 and has become one of the most competitive volleyball leagues in Asia. The most recent champions of the Women's Volleyball Thailand League are Supreme Chonburi, who won their third title, while the Women's team of Nakhon Ratchasima have also achieved success, winning five championships. In the Men's Volleyball Thailand League, Nakhon Ratchasima has dominated the league, winning seven championships, including the most recent one in the 2020-2021 season.

Thailand has also competed in beach volleyball at the international level, but the sport is not as popular as indoor volleyball. The country's national teams in beach volleyball participated in the 2018–2020 AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup in both the women's and the men's sections.[5] However, despite its growing popularity, beach volleyball remains a niche sport in Thailand compared to indoor volleyball.

The Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA), which was founded in 1959, is responsible for promoting and developing volleyball in the country, including both indoor and beach volleyball.

Individual sports

Athletics

The Athletics Association of Thailand (AAT), founded in 1948, has played a role in developing and promoting athletics in the country. Puripol Boonson has emerged as a promising new talent in recent years, breaking several national records at the 2022 Thailand National Games and setting a new Southeast Asian Games record in the men's 200 metres in 2022. In August 2022, he also set a new world record for the men's 100 metre sprint under 18 years old at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships.

Thailand has hosted several international athletics events, including the 2017 Asian Youth Athletics Championships and the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. In addition, the country hosted the World Athletics Global Running Conference in 2022, along with the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok.

Badminton

See also: Thailand Open (badminton) and Thailand national badminton team. Badminton is one of the most popular sports in Thailand, with a long history dating back to the establishment of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) in 1950. Since then, Thailand has produced many notable badminton players who have achieved great success both nationally and internationally. One of the most successful badminton players from Thailand is Ratchanok Intanon. She burst onto the international scene by winning the World Junior Championships in 2009. In the following years, she went on to win the title twice more, becoming the most successful player ever in individual events at the BWF World Junior Championships. Intanon also won the World Championships in 2013 and has been ranked as the world number one in women's singles badminton.

Another player who has achieved great success in both junior and senior categories is Kunlavut Vitidsarn. He is a three-time World Junior champion, winning in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and also became the first men's singles player to win three World Junior Championships titles. He has also made a name for himself in the senior category, winning the silver medal at the 2022 BWF World Championships. Other notable players from Thailand include Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Nitchaon Jindapol, and Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

In addition to singles events, Thailand has also produced several notable players in doubles events. In women's doubles, Benyapa Aimsaard and Nuntakarn Aimsaard have made a name for themselves on the international stage, as have Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai. In mixed doubles, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai.

Bowling

Bowling has gained popularity in Thailand over the years, with many talented bowlers representing the country in international competitions. Yannaphon Larpapharat is one such notable bowler who has made a name for himself in the sport. He won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon in the men's individual event. Sithiphol Kunaksorn is another notable Thai bowler, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games in the men's singles event.

Combat sports

Boxing

Thailand has produced several notable boxers who have made their mark in the sport. Somluck Kamsing is one of the most famous Thai boxers, having won the gold medal in featherweight boxing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Khaosai Galaxy who held the WBA super flyweight title for over seven years and defended his title 19 times. Somjit Jongjohor is another notable Thai boxer who won the gold medal in light flyweight boxing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Other notable boxers from Thailand include Samart Payakaroon, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who have all achieved great success in their respective weight classes.

Jujutsu

Jujutsu has seen a rise in popularity in Thailand after the Thai jujutsu team's impressive performance at the 2022 World Games in the United States, winning 2 gold medals and 2 silver medals. As a result, the Ju-Jitsu Association of Thailand is expanding the sport's popularity by organizing at least four competitions to collect points at the youth, youth, and public championships in Thailand. The last Ju-Jitsu Thailand Championship saw more than 2,000 athletes participating in the competition.

Taekwondo

The Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT) was founded in 1978 and has played role in promoting the sport of taekwondo in Thailand. Panipak Wongpattanakit is a highly successful athlete in the sport, winning numerous medals at various international championships and making history by winning Thailand's first-ever Olympic gold medal in taekwondo at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the women's 49 kg event. She is also a world champion and a gold medalist at the 2018 Asian Games in the 49 kg category

Thai martial arts

Cycling

Cycling is one of the favorite sports in Thailand, and the Thai Cycling Association was established in 1959. One of the notable Thai national cyclists is Komet Sukprasert, who was sent to train at the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Switzerland. He won the Asian BMX Championship 2022 and the Malaysia BMX International Race 2022 in Malaysia

Golf

See main article: Golf in Thailand. Thailand has earned a reputation as the golf capital of Asia due to its growing popularity as a golfing destination.[6] Tourists from Japan, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and Western countries come to play golf in Thailand every year,[7] and the country has more than 200 world-class golf courses.[8] Notable golf courses in Thailand include Amata Spring Country Club, Alpine Golf and Sports Club, Thai Country Club, and Black Mountain Golf Club, which have all hosted major golf tournaments.

Thailand has also produced several notable golfers, including Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister Moriya Jutanugarn, who have both won multiple LPGA titles. Other notable Thai golfers include Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Jazz Janewattananond, who have all competed in major golf tournaments and gained international recognition for their success in the sport.

One of the rising stars in Thai golf is Atthaya Thitikul, who became the youngest golfer ever to win a professional tournament at just 14 years old. She has since gone on to win multiple tournaments on both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, and in October 2022, she became the number one ranked golfer in the Women's World Golf Rankings.

Jet skiing

Jet skiing has become increasingly popular in Thailand in recent years, particularly in the realm of sports tourism. The sport has its own licensed tournament, WGP#1, which is owned and licensed by Thai people and has gained global attention with live broadcasts reaching over a billion households. In fact, the event's live broadcasts covered 50% of the world's population, making it one of the most watched sports in Thai history.

Motorsports

Motorsports in Thailand have grown in popularity, building on the legacy of pioneers such as Birabongse Bhanudej, the first Thai and Asian racecar driver to race in Formula One. The country has hosted the MotoGP since 2018 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Thailand has also hosted the Super GT and FIA WTCC Race. Additionally, the country has gained recognition for hosting the Thailand Rally, which is part of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and has featured stages on both tarmac and gravel roads. Thailand has produced several notable drivers in international competitions, including Alexander Albon, who has competed in Formula One, and Sandy Stuvik, who has won multiple championships in various racing series. In 2022, Enzo Tarnvanichkul became the first Thai national to win the FIA Karting World Championship in the OK Junior class. The growing popularity of motorsports in Thailand is reflected in the construction of new racetracks and the organization of national and international events, such as the Thailand Super Series and the Thailand MotoGP.

Snooker

The country has produced several successful snooker players, including James Wattana, Dechawat Poomjaeng, Noppon Saengkham, and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who have all competed at the highest levels of the sport. In addition to male players, Thailand also has a notable female player, Nutcharut Wongharuthai, who made history by winning the 2022 World Women's Snooker Championship in Sydney, Australia.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the favorite sports in Thailand, with many talented athletes representing the country at various international competitions. Notable swimmers include Natthanan Junkrajang, Nuttapong Ketin, Jenjira Srisaard, and Navaphat Wongcharoen.

Table tennis

Table tennis is growing sport in Thailand, with notable achievements including Suthasini Sawettabut's round of 16 performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, which was the farthest in the history of Thai table tennis at the Olympics. At the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam, Thai players won a record-breaking four gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals. Additionally, the Table Tennis Association of Thailand (TTAT) has been supporting players through initiatives such as the SET Star Table Tennis project and the TTAT Pro League project, which have helped players like Suthasini and Orawan Paranang achieve success in professional leagues in Austria and Spain. These efforts have helped build a strong foundation for the future of table tennis in Thailand.

Tennis

See also: Thailand Open (WTA). The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) is the governing body for tennis in the country and organizes various tournaments and events throughout the year. Notable players include Paradorn Srichaphan, who reached a career-high ranking of world number 9 in singles and won five ATP singles titles, as well as Tamarine Tanasugarn, who reached a career-high ranking of world number 19 in singles and won a total of four WTA singles titles. In addition, Thai players have achieved success in doubles, with the team of Sonchat Ratiwatana and Sanchai Ratiwatana winning 12 ATP doubles titles together.

Esports

See main article: Thailand E-Sports Federation. In September 2021, the Thai government officially recognized esports as a professional sport. As a result, the local esports industry has received increased funding, promotion, and support, and eligible esports teams and athletes can now receive financial assistance from the Sports Authority of Thailand and its Professional Sports Promotion Fund. The Thailand E-Sports Federation (TESF) has been actively working to develop esports curricula to cultivate competitive gamers who can represent Thailand at the international level. Additionally, Thailand has achieved success in the Southeast Asian Games, winning gold medals in esports events such as FIFA Online 4, Arena of Valor, and Tekken 7. Notable Thai esports players include Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong, Piyapon "TheCruz" Boonchuay, Chirasak "Joena" Moonsarn, Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon, Metasit "Moowan" Leelapipatkul, Teedech "TDKeane" Songsaisakul, and Nopparut "Book" Hempamorn, all of whom have earned significant amounts of money and recognition in their respective games.

Sport leagues

Football

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Futsal

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Volleyball

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Basketball

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Muay Thai

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Ice hockey

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Multi-sport event

All time medal count

Event GoldSilverBronzeTotalGames
11 11 19 4117
0 0 0 0 5
2429348710
0 0 0 0 0
12 10 5 273
00001
13217527958618
0 0 0 05
641021363023
1081061453596
13097913185
172218572
8167481964
2,345 2,031 2,074 6,450 31
11548146252593 10
551 418 404 1373 20
380 338 384 1102 11
28305511318
00006
8 13 82911
00001
754162
8510232
0 5 10 155
2530268123
2535309018
5 9 2164

Hosted sporting events

See also: List of sporting events held in Thailand.

YearEventSportLocationDateStatus
Start End
1959Southeast Asian Peninsular GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 12Dec 17Regional
1966Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 9Dec 20Continental
1967Southeast Asian Peninsular GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 9Dec 16Regional
1970 Asian Rugby ChampionshipRugby unionBangkokJan 10 Jan 18 Continental
1970Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 9Dec 20Continental
1975Southeast Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 9Dec 16Regional
1976Asian Invitational Badminton ChampionshipsBadmintonBangkokMar 24Mar 28Continental
1976Thomas CupBadmintonBangkokMay 25June 3International
1978Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 9Dec 20Continental
1980Asian Invitational Badminton ChampionshipsBadmintonBangkokDec 10Dec 14Continental
1985Southeast Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 8Dec 17Regional
1988Badminton World CupBadmintonBangkokSepInternational
1994World Badminton Grand Prix FinalsBadmintonBangkokDec 7Dec 11International
1995Southeast Asian GamesMulti-sport eventChiang MaiDec 9Dec 17Regional
1997World Weightlifting ChampionshipsWeightliftingChiang MaiDec 6Dec 14International
1998Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokDec 6Dec 20Continental
1999FESPIC GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokJan 10 Jan 16Continental
2002AVC Cup Women's Club TournamentVolleyballBangkokMay 22May 27Continental
2003FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World ChampionshipVolleyballSuphanburiJuly 5July 13International
2003World Amateur Boxing ChampionshipsBoxingBangkokJuly 6July 13International
2003FIVB Volleyball Women's U20 World ChampionshipVolleyballSuphanburiSep 6Sep 14International
2004FIFA U-19 Women's World ChampionshipFootballBangkok
Chiang Mai
Phuket
Nov 10Nov 27International
2005Asian Airgun ChampionshipsShooting sportsBangkokSep 12Sep 19Continental
2005Asian Indoor GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokNov 12Nov 19Continental
2006Asian Taekwondo ChampionshipsTaekwondoBangkokApr 21Apr 13Continental
2006World Cup Taekwondo Team ChampionshipsTaekwondoBangkokSep 18International
2007FIVB Volleyball Women's U20 World ChampionshipVolleyballNakhon RatchasimaJuly 20July 27International
2007Summer UniversiadeMulti-sport eventBangkokAug 8Aug 18International
2007World Weightlifting ChampionshipsWeightliftingChiang MaiSep 17Sep 26International
2007Southeast Asian GamesMulti-sport eventNakhon RatchasimaDec 6Dec 15Regional
2008ASEAN Para GamesMulti-sport eventNakhon RatchasimaJan 20Jan 26Regional
2008World Judo Juniors ChampionshipsJudoBangkokOct 23Oct 26International
2009FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World ChampionshipVolleyballNakhon RatchasimaJuly 3July 12International
2009FIBA Under-19 World Championship for WomenBasketballBangkokJuly 23Aug 2International
2009Asian Martial Arts GamesMulti-sport eventBangkokAug 1Aug 9Continental
2010Asian Junior Table Tennis ChampionshipsTable tennisBangkokJuly 21July 25Continental
2010ASEAN University GamesMulti-sport eventChiang MaiDec 15Dec 23Regional
2012World Junior Wrestling ChampionshipsWrestlingPattayaSep 4Sep 9International
2012FIFA Futsal World CupFutsalBangkok
Nakhon Ratchasima
Nov 1Nov 18International
2012Race of ChampionsMotorsportsBangkokDec 14Dec 16International
2013IIHF Challenge Cup of AsiaIce hockeyBangkokMar 16Mar 24International
2013Asian Judo ChampionshipsJudoBangkokApr 19Apr 21Continental
2013BWF World Junior ChampionshipsBadmintonBangkokOct 23Nov 3International
2013World Para-archery ChampionshipsArcheryBangkokNov 1Nov 7International
2014Asian Beach GamesMulti-sport eventPhuketNov 14Nov 23Continental
2015Asian Amateur Boxing ChampionshipsBoxingBangkokAug 26Sep 5Continental
2015World Touring Car ChampionshipTouring car racingBuriramNov 1International
2015WBPF World ChampionshipBodybuilding
Fitness
BangkokNov 24Nov 30International
2016FIVB Volleyball World Grand PrixVolleyballBangkokJune 3July 10International
2016Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis ChampionshipsTable tennisBangkokSep 16Sep 21Continental
2017Asian Canoe Slalom ChampionshipsCanoe slalomNakhon NayokFeb 24Feb 26Continental
2017Youth World Weightlifting ChampionshipsWeightliftingBangkokApr 1Apr 11Continental
2017Asian Youth Athletics ChampionshipsAthleticsBangkokMay 20May 23International
2018Thomas & Uber CupBadmintonBangkokMay 20May 27International
2018Asian Fencing ChampionshipsFencingBangkokJune 17June 22Continental
2018FIBA Asia Champions CupBasketballBangkokSep 27Oct 2Continental
2018MotoGP World ChampionshipMotorcycle racingBuriramOct 7International
2019Asian Amateur Boxing ChampionshipsBoxingBangkokApr 19Apr 26Continental
2019South East Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis ChampionshipsTable tennisBangkokJune 4June 9Regional
2019IFMA World Muaythai ChampionshipsMuay ThaiBangkokJuly 22July 28International
2019World Weightlifting ChampionshipsWeightliftingPattayaSep 18Sep 27International
2019MotoGP World ChampionshipMotorcycle racingBuriramOct 6International
2019World Junior Table Tennis ChampionshipsTable tennisNakhon RatchasimaNov 24Dec 1International
2021BWF World Tour FinalsBadmintonNonthaburiJan 27Jan 31International
2022Asian Canoe Sprint ChampionshipsCanoe sprintRayongMarch 24March 26Continental
2022Thomas & Uber CupBadmintonNonthaburiMay 8May 15International
2022South East Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis ChampionshipsTable tennisBangkokJune 17June 22Regional
2022IIHF U20 Asia and Oceania ChampionshipIce hockeyBangkokJune 25July 2Continental
2022ASEAN University GamesMulti-sport eventUbon RachathaniJuly 26August 6Regional
2022Asian Men's Volleyball CupVolleyballNakhon PathomAug 7Aug 14Continental
2022ASEAN Grand PrixVolleyballNakhon RatchasimaSep 9Sep 11Regional
2022MotoGP World ChampionshipMotorcycle racingBuriramOct 2International
2022World Mountain and Trail Running ChampionshipsAthleticsChiang MaiNov 4Nov 6International
2022Asian Water Polo ChampionshipWater PoloSamut PrakanNov 7Nov 14Continental
2022IPSC Handgun World ShootShooting sportsPattayaNov 27Dec 3International
2022BWF World Tour FinalsBadmintonBangkokDec 7Dec 11International
2023Thailand OpenTennisHua HinJan 30Feb 5International
2023Thailand MastersBadmintonBangkokJan 31Feb 5International
2023ACC Men's Challenger CupCricketBangkokFeb 24Mar 5Continental
2023World Women's Snooker ChampionshipSnookerBangkokFeb 28Mar 4International
2023Six-red World ChampionshipSnookerBangkokMar 6Mar 11International
2023Beach Soccer Asian CupBeach soccerPattayaMar 16Mar 26Continental
2023MotoGP World ChampionshipMotorcycle racingBuriramOct 29International
2023Asian Indoor and Martial Arts GamesMulti-sport eventBangkok
Chonburi
Nov 17Nov 26Continental
2025Southeast Asian GamesMulti-sport eventBangkok
Chonburi
Songkhla
Dec 9Dec 20Regional
2026ASEAN Para GamesMulti-sport eventNakhon RatchasimaJan 20Jan 26Regional

National

Thailand National Games

See main article: Thailand National Games.

Thailand National Youth Games

See main article: Thailand National Youth Games.

Thailand Local Administration Student Games

International and regional

Southeast Asian Games

See main article: Thailand at the Southeast Asian Games.

Asian Games

See main article: Thailand at the Asian Games.

Olympic Games

See main article: Thailand at the Olympics.

Paralympic Games

See main article: Thailand at the Paralympics.

World Games

See main article: Thailand at the World Games.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Vail. P.. 2014. Muay Thai: Inventing Tradition for a National Symbol. Sojourn. Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia. 29. 3. 509–553.
  2. Bayer. R. Eken. Ö. 2021. The acute effect of different massage durations on squat jump, countermovement jump and flexibility performance in muay thai athletes. Physical Education of Students. 25. 6. 353–358.
  3. Web site: Muay Thai Officially included in Olympic Member. January 13, 2023.
  4. Web site: นครสวรรค์เกมส์ ฟันดาบไทย พิจิตรส่ง 4 คน ได้เหรียญทั้ง 4 คน . Nakhon Sawan Games Dab Thai Pichit sends 4 people to get all 4 medals . 19 April 2023 . 19 April 2023 . CH7 News . th.
  5. News: Continental Cup Finals start in Africa. 7 August 2021 . . 22 June 2021.
  6. Web site: Golf in Thailand by . Golfasia.com . 25 April 2010.
  7. News: Chawadee Nualkhair . Thailand woos foreign golfers with sun, sand traps . Reuters . 25 April 2010 . 10 July 2009.
  8. Web site: Why to book with golf2thailand.com : Thailand Golf Courses Thailand Golf Packages . Golf2thailand.com . 25 April 2010 . dead . https://archive.today/20120905150351/http://www.golf2thailand.com/golf_course_thailand.asp . 5 September 2012 .