Minister Ms. Supamas Pushed Digital Chess to Empower Thai Youth, Directing PRD to Promote ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup 2026

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi had spearheaded a strategic move to elevate digital chess into a national Soft Power asset during a preparatory meeting held on June 10, 2026. The executive session had involved key officials, including Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister, Ms. Phatcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister, and Mr. Chaiwat Boonchawalit, Deputy Director-General of the Public Relations Department (PRD), who had jointly collaborated with the Thailand Chess Association led by its President, Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich. The state discussion had focused entirely on strengthening the capabilities of Thai youth and establishing Thailand as Southeast Asia's premier digital sports hub under the broader national policies of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

In line with the established directives, the PRD successfully completed its comprehensive publicity campaign for the ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup 2026, which concluded on June 13, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. The world-class tournament brought together elite players from Europe, the Middle East, and regional champions from 11 ASEAN nations, highlighted by historic appearances from world number 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway and world number 2 Fabiano Caruana of the United States. Throughout the single-day event, which featured an opening ceremony at 09:00, grandmaster interviews at 16:00, a fan meet-and-greet at 17:00, and an awards ceremony at 18:00, the initiative effectively realized Ms. Supamas's vision of providing Thai youth with critical analytical skills alongside global icons, with full retrospective updates archived on the official association website at thailandchess.or.th.