Thai windsurfers head to Taiwan, Philippines for major events – Pattaya Mail


Culture Minister and head of the Windsurfing Association of Thailand Itthiphol Kunplome (2nd row, center) announces Thai windsurfing athletes will attend the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines Nov. 30-Dec. 10.
Culture Minister and head of the Windsurfing Association of Thailand Itthiphol Kunplome (2nd row, center) announces Thai windsurfing athletes will attend the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines Nov. 30-Dec. 10.

Thai windsurfers are in Taiwan to compete at the Asian Windsurfing Championships, the first of several major competitions in which they hope to bring home gold medals.

Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome, who after being appointed in July also retained his position as head of the Windsurfing Association of Thailand, announced at a Nov. 5 news conference at the Treehouse Garden Cafe on Soi Khao Makok that the athletes also would attend the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines Nov. 30-Dec. 10.

Itthiphol, along with brother and Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya – president of the Chonburi Sports Association, and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Pattana Boonsawad, also congratulated windsurfers who completed in the RS:X Windsurfing World Championships in Italy despite their poor showings.

Siriporn Kaewduang-Ngam placed 57th while none of the other three who attended placed better than 91st.

Siriporn, Sarocha Pumpai, Denchai Reungruk, Nattapong Phonoppara, Navin Sinsart, Chonthicha Junthonglang and Kittisak Smith will represent Thailand at the SEA Games in various RS:X competitions.