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.
Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs",[13] is a traditional martial art and national sport of Thailand.[14][15] 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.[16][17][18]
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.[16] 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.[17] 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).[19] This recognition brings the sport one step closer to potentially being included in future Olympic Games.
Takraw, also known as Sepak Takraw, is one of Thailand's national sports, alongside Muay Thai.[2][20] 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.[21][22] 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.[2] 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.
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.[23]
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.[24][11]
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.[25][26][27]
Makruk
Makruk is a strategic board game similar to chess, but with some distinctly different rules and piece movements. 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.[28] 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.[29][30]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.[31]
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.[32] 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 is the most popular sport in Thailand,[1] 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.
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.[33]
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.[34]
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).[35] 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.
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.[36] 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.
Badminton is one of the most popular sports in Thailand,[1] 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.
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.[40]Sithiphol Kunaksorn is another notable Thai bowler, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games in the men's singles event.
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.[41]
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
Cycling is one of the favorite sports in Thailand,[3] 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.[42] He won the Asian BMX Championship 2022 and the Malaysia BMX International Race 2022 in Malaysia[43]
Thailand has earned a reputation as the golf capital of Asia due to its growing popularity as a golfing destination.[44] Tourists from Japan, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and Western countries come to play golf in Thailand every year,[45] and the country has more than 200 world-class golf courses.[46] 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.[47]
Motorsports in Thailand have grown in popularity,[48] 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.[49] 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.
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.[50]
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.
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.[51] 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.
AThe medal counts provided include only the results from the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 editions of the ASEAN University Games. Results from earlier editions were not available.
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