Her Majesty the Queen participates in the keelboat SSL47 competition in Pattaya on Wednesday. (Photo: Royal Household Bureau)
Thailand has written a new chapter in sporting history after the national sailing team, captained by Her Majesty the Queen, secured an emphatic gold medal in the SSL47 class at the 33rd SEA Games.
The victory, sealed with a day of competition still to spare, has been hailed as a moment of immense pride for the Thai people.
It was not merely a sporting achievement but a symbolic moment, underscoring the enduring royal connection to sailing and the inspiration it continues to provide to athletes across the nation.
His Majesty the King will present the awards to all winners at a ceremony scheduled for 5pm on Thursday, a fitting culmination to a Games that has already delivered unforgettable memories for Thailand.
After seven races, the Thai crew established an unassailable lead, finishing seven points clear of Malaysia in second place.
Even if Thailand were to finish last in the final race, the gold medal is guaranteed — underlining the dominance of their campaign and the consistency that has defined their performance throughout the regatta.
The triumph also marked a personal milestone for Nawee Thamsoontorn and Nichapa Waiwai, who have now collected two gold medals at these Games. The pair had earlier won in the 470 class, and their success in the SSL47 adds to Thailand’s growing tally and reinforces their reputation as stalwarts of the national sailing programme.
The team’s strength was further bolstered by Noppakao Poonpat, a former Optimist world champion and double Asian Games gold medallist. His experience and leadership proved invaluable in guiding the crew to this historic achievement, blending youthful energy with seasoned expertise.
Beyond the sporting result, the Queen’s leadership on the water carries profound symbolic weight.
It represents the continuation of a royal tradition in sailing, echoing the passion and vision of King Rama IX, who championed the sport during his reign and whose legacy remains deeply embedded in Thai sporting culture.
The image of Her Majesty steering the Thai team to victory has been celebrated as both elegant and inspirational, reinforcing the role of sailing in the nation’s sporting identity.
The Royal Thai Sailing Association and the athletes involved have been widely congratulated for bringing honour to the country.
Their success not only secures Thailand’s place at the top of the SEA Games podium but also serves as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of Thai sailors.
Cycling supremacy
Earlier in the day, Thailand’s cycling team continued their remarkable run of success. Veteran rider Jutatip Maneephan claimed the ninth gold medal for the Thai cycling contingent with her triumph in the women’s individual road race.
The 37‑year‑old national rider crossed the line in 3hr 56min 20sec to win the gruelling 131.2km event, which began at Kamol Sport Park in Bangkok and finished in Nakhon Nayok. Malaysia’s Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir took silver, while Indonesia’s Ayustina Delia Priatna claimed bronze.
Jutatip’s victory followed triumphs in the men’s individual road race by Sarawut Sirironnachai and in the men’s team event a day earlier. With nine golds, four silvers and two bronzes already secured, the Thai cycling team have surpassed their pre‑tournament target, with two more days of track competition still to come.
Martial arts mastery
Thailand’s pencak silat athletes added three more gold medals to the tally on Wednesday.
Phiraphon Mitthasan edged Malaysia’s Irfan Marzuki 60‑57 in a tense men’s class D (65kg) final, while Areef Arli dominated Hakim Jaaffar, also of Malaysia, in the men’s class B (50kg) showdown. The third gold came courtesy of Aekarat Madechi, who defeated Vietnam’s Vu Duc Hung 71‑63 in the men’s class F (75kg) final.
The triple triumph underscored Thailand’s growing strength in martial arts disciplines and added further momentum to the nation’s medal charge.
All‑Thai finals in tennis
Thailand’s tennis team are assured of at least two gold medals after both the men’s singles and mixed doubles finals were confirmed as all‑Thai affairs.
Maximus Parapol Jones and Kasidit Samrej will contest the men’s singles crown after coming through their semi‑finals at the National Tennis Development Centre in Muang Thong Thani. Maximus defeated Malaysia’s Leong Mitsuki Wei Kang 6‑3, 6‑1, while Kasidit overcame Indonesia’s Fitriadi Muhammad Rifqi 6‑2, 7‑5.
In the mixed doubles, Peangtarn Plipluech and Pruchya Isaro rallied to beat Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi and Christopher Rungkat 4‑6, 6‑3, 10‑5. Patcharin Cheapchandej and Pawit Sornlaksup also came from behind, defeating the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala and Francis Alcantara 5‑7, 7‑5, 10‑7. Both Thai pairs will meet in Friday’s final, ensuring another gold for the host nation.
Bronze for Chaba Kaew
Thailand’s women’s football team secured the bronze medal after defeating Indonesia 2‑0 at Chonburi Stadium.
The Chaba Kaew side pressed high from the outset, creating early chances. Pattaranan Aupachai tested Indonesian goalkeeper Iris de Rouw, who produced a sharp save to keep the scores level.
Thailand broke through in the 17th minute when Sunisa Srangthaisong’s corner was partially cleared. Rhianne Rush struck from the edge of the area, her effort deflecting off Pisamai Sornsai and into the net.
Sornsai nearly doubled the advantage with a header, but de Rouw intervened again. The second goal arrived just before half‑time, when Jiraporn Mongkoldee threaded a pass to Aupachai, who finished clinically.
Thailand continued to dominate after the interval, with Madison Jade Casteen and Pluemjai Sontisawat both going close. The final whistle confirmed a deserved 2‑0 victory and a place on the podium.
Six boxers reach finals
Thailand’s boxers maintained their momentum, with six fighters — four men and two women — advancing to the finals.
Thitisan Panmot defeated Laos’ Vanesy Heuangthisouan in the men’s 51kg semi‑final, while Weerapon Jongjoho overcame Timor‑Leste’s Francisco Moratti Gaspar da Costa in the men’s 75kg. Khunatip Pidnuch beat Laos’ Thongnin Xayaseng in the men’s 63.5kg, and Sarawut Sukthet advanced in the men’s 57kg after beating Malaysia’s Muhammad Rasdenal.
In the women’s events, Chutamas Raksat defeated Indonesia’s Sraellah Athena Bonita Saweho in the 50kg semi‑final, while Punrawee Ruenros overcame Indonesia’s Kartika Manopa in the 57kg.
Relay flourish on final day
The athletics programme concluded with a flourish as Joshua Robert Atkinson led Thailand’s quartet to victory in the men’s 4x400m relay at Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday.
Trailing after the first three legs, Atkinson produced a spectacular final lap, overtaking Vietnam’s runner in the last 100m to snatch gold in 3:03.07sec. The performance broke a 30‑year SEA Games record of 3:05.47 set by Thailand in Chiang Mai in 1995.
Vietnam claimed silver in 3:03.85, with Singapore third in 3:10.74. Atkinson had already won the 400m gold and two silvers in the 800m and mixed 4x400m relay.
The women’s team took silver in 3:36.87, behind Vietnam (3:25.59), with the Philippines third.
Patsapong Amsamarng secured silver in the men’s pole vault and Kiadpradid Srisai won silver in the men’s discus throw. In equestrian, Pawarisa Thongpradup claimed silver in the mixed individual dressage, while teammate Nynn Puttisombat took bronze.