11 Most Popular Sports in Thailand

Have you ever wondered about the spirit of Thailand?

It’s not just in its beautiful beaches or delicious cuisine!

Soccer dominates the sports scene in Thailand, but is it the only game in town?

Let’s dive into the top 11 sports that captivate the hearts of Thai people.

Most Popular Sports in Thailand:

1. Soccer
2. Muay Thai
3. Volleyball
4. Badminton
5. Sepak Takraw
6. Table Tennis
7. Basketball
8. Swimming
9. Boxing
10. Golf
11. Taekwondo

#1 Soccer

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Kiatisuk Senamuang (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 1 Million

Soccer is the undisputed king of sports in Thailand. Its widespread popularity cuts across all regions and age groups, making it a unifying force for millions of Thai sports enthusiasts.

The Thai Premier League, the country’s top-tier soccer league, captures the attention of fans nationwide. Clubs such as Buriram United and Muangthong United boast a massive following. Kiatisuk Senamuang, a former national team striker, is a legendary figure in Thai soccer.

National team success in regional competitions like AFF Suzuki Cup further strengthens soccer’s position as the most beloved sport in Thailand.

#2 Muay Thai

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Invention: Mid-1500s
• 🌟 Most Famous Fighter from Thailand: Buakaw Banchamek (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Practitioners in Thailand: 500,000

Muay Thai is not just a sport in Thailand but an essential part of the cultural fabric. With its roots dating back centuries, it is also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs” due to its combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

Thailand is home to iconic Muay Thai stadiums, including Lumpinee and Rajadamnern, where championship bouts are held. The legendary fighter Buakaw Banchamek has transcended Muay Thai, becoming a global icon and ambassador for the sport.

Both locals and tourists flock to witness or even train in the ancient martial art, ensuring its continued popularity and significance.

For a deeper dive into Thailand’s national sport and some fascinating facts about its history and significance, check out our article on Thailand’s National Sport: Muay Thai (7 Facts).

#3 Volleyball

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Mid-1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Pleumjit Thinkaow (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 300,000

Volleyball holds a prominent place in the Thai sports scene, particularly in its indoor and beach forms. Enthusiasts across the country enjoy watching and playing the game, thanks to its riveting pace and high skill level.

The Women’s Volleyball Thailand League is a major source of entertainment for many fans. The Thai national women’s volleyball team has gained considerable success in international competitions, elevating the sport’s appeal. Pleumjit Thinkaow, a star middle blocker, is a household name in Thailand.

Beach volleyball is another popular variant, with Thailand’s picturesque coastlines providing ample opportunities for the sport to flourish.

#4 Badminton

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Ratchanok Intanon (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 2 Million

Badminton enjoys widespread popularity in Thailand, with both recreational and competitive players donning their rackets and shuttles. A sport known for its speed and tactical gameplay, badminton has attracted enthusiasts of all ages.

Thai badminton players have made a name for themselves on the international stage, particularly Ratchanok Intanon, who became the youngest-ever world champion at the age of 18. The Thailand Open, a major badminton tournament, showcases local talent and draws top players from around the world.

With more young talents emerging, badminton’s popularity in Thailand is set to reach new heights.

#5 Sepak Takraw

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Mid-1700s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Pornchai Kaokaew (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 100,000

Sepak Takraw, a traditional Southeast Asian sport, is deeply admired in Thailand. Also known as “kick volleyball,” the game requires agility, flexibility, and coordination, involving players using their feet, knees, and chest to pass the ball over a net.

The Thailand Sepaktakraw League showcases the best local talent and plays a crucial role in popularizing the sport. The national team frequently dominates international competitions such as the Asian Games.

Pornchai Kaokaew is an illustrious Sepak Takraw player from Thailand. The sport exemplifies Thai culture, symbolizing teamwork and determination, earning a special place in the hearts of its people.

#6 Table Tennis

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Nantana Komwong (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 150,000

Table tennis, also known as “ping pong,” enjoys significant popularity in Thailand. The sport’s fast pace and accessible nature make it a favorite among people of all ages and skill levels.

The Table Tennis Association of Thailand organizes local tournaments and facilitates the development of promising players. Nantana Komwong, who has represented Thailand at multiple Olympic Games, is the country’s most celebrated table tennis player.

Local clubs and sports centers contribute to fostering a vibrant table tennis scene, carrying the torch for this time-honored sport within Thai culture.

#7 Basketball

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: 1936
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Darongpan Apiromwilaichai (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Thailand: 500,000

Basketball has steadily gained popularity in Thailand, with its high-energy matches and global appeal captivating fans. Although the sport has American roots, it has flourished in Thai communities and schools.

The Basketball Thailand League serves as the country’s professional league, attracting local talent and sparking fan interest. Thai basketball enthusiasts also enjoy watching NBA games, drawn by the league’s star power and unmatched gameplay.

Darongpan Apiromwilaichai is a renowned Thai basketball player, having played professionally abroad and for the national team. Basketball’s continued growth in popularity cements its place in Thailand’s diverse sporting landscape.

#8 Swimming

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Ancient Times
• 🌟 Most Famous Swimmer from Thailand: Anchaya Panturat (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Swimmers in Thailand: 1 Million

Swimming is a favored sport and leisure activity in Thailand, thanks to the country’s idyllic climate and picturesque coastlines. The sport encourages health benefits, both mental and physical, contributing to its popularity.

Thai swimmers have achieved success in regional and international competitions such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Anchaya Panturat is one of the most prominent swimmers from Thailand, having amassed numerous medals representing her country.

Swimming clubs and schools across Thailand ensure the sport’s continued growth and development, solidifying its prominence in the nation’s sports scene.

#9 Boxing

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Boxer from Thailand: Khaosai Galaxy (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Boxers in Thailand: 50,000

Boxing, particularly Western-style, has captured the imagination of Thai sports enthusiasts alongside the more traditional Muay Thai. The sport’s discipline, strength, and strategic aspect have resonated with the Thai people.

Thailand has produced several world champions in boxing, with legendary fighter Khaosai Galaxy being a prime example. Boxing matches and international events, such as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship bouts, draw large audiences in Thailand.

With every local and international success, boxing continues to cement its place in Thai sports culture, inspiring future generations of fighters.

#10 Golf

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Golfer from Thailand: Thongchai Jaidee (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Golfers in Thailand: 300,000

Golf, once perceived as an elite sport, has gradually gained widespread acceptance in Thailand. The country’s picturesque golf courses and pleasant year-round weather make it a sought-after destination for both domestic and international golf enthusiasts.

Thailand has produced notable professional golfers, such as Thongchai Jaidee, who has represented the nation on prestigious tours like the European Tour and Asian Tour. National events like the Thailand Open and international tournaments garner significant interest.

As Thailand continues to be a top golf tourism destination, the sport’s popularity and cultural significance grow stronger.

#11 Taekwondo

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Thailand: Mid-1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Thailand: Panipak Wongpattanakit (Thai)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Practitioners in Thailand: 100,000

Taekwondo, a martial art form originating from Korea, has found its way into the hearts of Thai people. With an emphasis on high, fast-paced kicks, the sport requires both physical and mental discipline.

Thailand has produced several accomplished Taekwondo practitioners who have made their mark globally. A shining example is Panipak Wongpattanakit, who won gold at the 2021 Olympics. Taekwondo competitions, both national and international, are keenly followed by Thai fans.

As more martial art schools and training facilities open up, Taekwondo’s popularity in Thailand continues to flourish, making it an important part of the nation’s sports culture.

FAQ