Thai Windsurfers Dominate 33rd SEA Games
The Thai National Windsurfing Team dominated the recent 33rd SEA Games during the 14th -18th of December in Jomtien. Winning Three of Four Events with a touch of family and tradition.
In the world of international sports, athletes need family support but often find themselves worlds apart from their loved ones. For Aticha “Ploy” Homraruen of the Thai National Windsurfing team, she found herself at home as Thailand hosted the 33rd SEA Games Windsurfing Championships in Jomtien on Dec. 14-18 with her father, Arun Homraruen, standing right by her side as a member of coaching team and pioneer windsurfer.That family support was critical as Ploy fought off numerous SEA nations to place first in the women’s IQ Foil general category.
“I am very happy,” said the proud father, who competed in the Sydney and Atlanta Olympics. “Our goal was a gold medal. This is good preparation for the Asian Games in August.”
During the three-day tournament, the four Thai team windsurfers dominated the competition, winning three events and placing second in the other. Nitipat Chaiwutthiwet placed first in the men’s IQ Foil general category. Pasaphong “Omo” Lianglam placed second in the men’s IQ Foil youth category. Representing the Royal Thai Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class Nawin Singhat won the men’s Techno general category.
On Sunday, the first day of the event, Singhat took control by using a bit of Navy ingenuity. “Today we checked the wind information from the internet,” he said. “And we used that information to prepare our equipment to withstand that kind of wind–and it turned out to be great for us.”
Crossing many seas to help coach the Thai team was former international champion Tae Hoon Lee of Korea. Lee met the team while training yearly in Jomtien. For the SEA Games, the team invited their friend—and gave him his first international coaching experience.
“This was a great time,” said Lee, who plans to represent Korea in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. “Since I’m still an athlete, this was a different experience. Like studies. I was able to watch them and their techniques and offer my advice.”
Lee coached the IQ Foil categories and sees great promise in the Thai athletes.
“Nitipat has great technique and is very strong mentally,” he said. “Ploy controls all the group girls and has a strong mentality. Omo has been nervous. Up and down. But he’s always ready to fight.”
On the final day, Lianglam (Omo) outsailed his Malaysian competitor to move up from third to second place. At 18 years old, he is a bright star in the Thai future.
“I started nine years ago,” he said. “Today I was dealing with the tide and wind and did my best. I will keep getting better at windsurfing.”Overall, it was a great effort from the Thai team. “Naturally, we want to win four gold medals,” said Coach Ek Boonsawad with a smile. “But we are satisfied, and this is a good step for upcoming competitions.”
With a number of international events on the horizon, the Thai windsurfers will once again know those lonely nights away from home and family. But for Aticha “Ploy” Homraruen, she won’t have to worry about family support a few seas away—for Coach Dad will be right by her side as always.
Thai Team Competitors:
Nitipat Chaiwutthiwet in the men’s IQ Foil general category;
Aticha “Ploy” Homraruen in the women’s IQ Foil general category.
Pasaphong “Omo” Lianglam in the men’s IQ Foil youth category.
Petty Officer 1st Class Nawin Singhat in the men’s Techno general category.
Writer Tim Lee Photographer Chita Wisespanthurangsi
