Bangkok: "Big Hong" Sunthon Charumong, President of the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, affirmed the confidence in the potential of snooker in Thailand, highlighting the presence of many top-class players and referees in the sport. He presided over a certificate presentation ceremony for participants of national-level and intermediate-level snooker coaching and refereeing training courses, held at the Asian Billiard Sports Development Institute (WPBSA-Asian Academy).
According to Thai News Agency, the training course, conducted at Rajamangala National Stadium under the Sports Authority of Thailand, is scheduled from June 23-26, 2026. It involves 24 participants, comprising 12 coaches and 12 referees. "Big Hong," in his remarks, emphasized that the participation of these individuals is key to ensuring the future availability of high-quality personnel in the snooker world. The program aims to develop coaches and referees who meet international standards, expand the snooker player base, and ensure an adequate number of referees.
These efforts aim to make referees readily available across all regions of Thailand, facilitating their travel to judge snooker competitions in various provinces. The trainers leading the program are seasoned professionals recognized for their role in elevating numerous athletes and referees to international prominence. The instructors include "Coach Tai Phichit" Chuchart Trairattanapradit, Mr. Teerachot Baisamut, Mr. Apiwit Sinsuwanmethee, and Mr. Atthsanant Thamkhongthong. These experts are confident that the Thai snooker scene will witness a growing number of talented players and referees annually.