Chess Diplomacy in Bangkok: Results of the III Diplomatic Tournament!

On March 13, 2026, the Russian Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with the representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo, the Thailand Chess Association, JCA Chess School, and the Moscow Region Chess Federation, successfully held the III Diplomatic Chess Tournament

Within the legendary walls of the Bangkok Club, players representing 11 countries met at the chessboards: Thailand, Russia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Australia, the USA, Pakistan, and Norway. 🇷🇺🤝🇹🇭

✨ The opening ceremony highlighted the high prestige of the event

Welcoming remarks were delivered by:
🔹 H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand;
🔹 Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich, President of the Thailand Chess Association;
🔹 Mr. Alexander Sidorov, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy and representative of Rossotrudnichestvo;
🔹 Mr. Prin Laohawirapap and Ms. Sarocha Chuemsakul, the current Thai National Chess Champions.

A special highlight of the ceremony was a video message from Mr. Sergey Karjakin, Senator of the Russian Federation and International Grandmaster. He wished the participants an uncompromising struggle and emphasized the vital importance of strengthening international chess ties.

🏆 After 9 intense rounds played under the Swiss system, the overall winners were determined:

🥇 Tanatch Homsetnan (Thailand) — 1st Place
🥈 Naruebej Arun (Thailand) — 2nd Place
🥉 Veniamin Yarkin (Russia) — 3rd Place

🌟 Special Category Winners:
▪️ Best U18 Boy: Waratorn Jitjuajun (Thailand)
▪️ Best Female Player: Yun Myat Nandi (Myanmar)
▪️ Best U18 Girl: Claire Christianne Bitoon (Philippines)

The live broadcast and expert analysis were provided by FIDE Master Mikhail Korovin (Russia) and FIDE Master Jimson Bitoon (Philippines).

The tournament once again proved that there are no borders for friendship and intellectual rivalry. The winners were awarded commemorative prizes autographed by Sergey Karjakin – a lasting memento of this historic event in the heart of Bangkok.

Congratulations to the winners,and a sincere thank you to all participants for their commitment to the principles of “Chess Diplomacy”! ✨