Thai Tennis Development Project: Honorary Chairman Visits to Scout and Strengthen Talent

Choti Sophonpanich, Honorary Chairman of the Thai Public Policy Foundation, visited the National Tennis Training Center of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, to observe the training sessions of the 'Rising Stars' tennis development project. He was welcomed by Mr. Phumsan Seniwong Na Ayudhya, Vice President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand; Mr. Phuchong Laohsirivong, Executive Committee Member in charge of competition management; Mr. Thani Saenyaukhot, Executive Committee Member in charge of youth development; Ms. Nantnaphat Nantasuk, International Relations Officer of the association; Mr. Paul Dell, the project's New Zealand coach; as well as staff coaches, athletes, and parents. Following the welcome, Mr. Paul Dell presented a report on the progress of the 'Rising Stars' project. This initiative, a collaboration between the Thai Public Policy Foundation and the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, began in 2023 and continues to support the development of young tennis players towards excellence. Several generations of athletes have already gone through the program. The current group of young athletes in the project includes Patcharawut Ananthanasuwong, Phatchakira Horlertsakul, Piraya Krud-in, Nueafah Sujraponchai, Pichaya Kultan-kit-seree, and Tassa Teowsawat. Notably, Phatchakira Horlertsakul has been selected as a member of the Thai national junior tennis team under 12 years old for 2026. Mr. Choti Sophonpanich expressed his pleasure at the meeting and conversation. He conveyed his happiness regarding Mr. Paul Dell's recovery from hip surgery and his return to coaching. He wished all athletes good luck and congratulated those selected for the national junior team.