Thailand game played beautifully
Bangkok welcomed a chess tournament under the auspices of BRICS countries on February 8
Photo by Thailand chess association.
The competition was organized by the Russian embassy in Thailand, “Rossotrudnichestvo” office in the country, first certified chess school in the country JSA Chess School and the Chess federation of Thailand. The participants included diplomats, chess federation members, foreign citizens living in the kingdom as well as their children. Altogether the tournament brought up together 50 players. The competition included children’s section and open section.
Photo by Thailand chess association.
The Russian senator, many-times world champion Sergey Karjakin greeted the participants with a short video:
“On behalf of the chess federation of the Moscow region I would like to invite you to participate in the tournaments that we hold. Your participation is important, vital and honorable. We will offer foreign friends guide tours so that you can see the beauty of our country. We are also ready to participate in chess life in Thailand and help to develop it”.
Photo by Thailand chess association.
On January 1 this year The kingdom of Thailand has joined BRICS countries as a partner state which was mentioned in his welcome word by the Russian ambassador in Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin:
“BRICS has become larger than before. Chess is a very popular game in BRICS countries, including Russia. We are proud to say that the chess crown hasn’t left BRICS countries for the fourth year in a row.
The idea to hold such a tournament came to mind during regular meetings with ambassadors representing different countries in Thailand. We decided to promote BRICS brand and let people learn more about that union, about its major aims and goals. At the same time, we came up with a chess idea and got full support. The first tournament of that kind took place in November 2023. Apart from players from BRICS countries the tournament welcomed participants from the BRICS partner states, including Thailand, Nigeria and Kazakhstan”.
Photo by Thailand chess association.
Thailand chess federation president Nakvanich Sahapol that represented the delegation of Thailand during the Open Superfinal of the Moscow region, shared his thoughts and remembered that he and his fellow countrymen were mostly shocked by snow in Russia.
Photo by CFMR press office.
“Chess is a language of communication that gives people a possibility to unite with each other. Chess has only started its development in Thailand. This is a very good possibility to collaborate with Russia, China and India as we are newcomers. We have got best men and women players representing Thailand. Last year we went to Russia, to the Moscow
region to play in the chess tournament. It was rather cold, about minus eight
degrees. Such weather is a bit harsh for us. But we enjoyed the experience as
we love playing chess.
Collaboration with Russia is important for us as well as a chance to play against Russian chess masters. Next South-Eastern Games will have chess among its official competitions. We hope to get a good result”, — he added.
Answering the question, when will Thailand have its own first grandmaster, the president of Thailand chess federation briefly replied: “Soon”.
Photo by Thailand chess association.
Most of the prizes were won by the hosting country players. All the three kids prizes were won by chess players from Thailand. The gold medal in the open section was won by another player from Thailand while the silver and the bronze were won by diplomats from Russia and Mongolia respectively. The champions and prize winners received diplomas and cups.