Snooker is a popular sport in Thailand and there are many talented players who have earned a reputation for their skill and prowess. The best snooker players in Thailand are some of the most respected and renowned players in the world.
They have been competing in international tournaments for years and have achieved numerous titles and awards. These players have set a high standard for the game of snooker in Thailand and have made a lasting impression on the rest of the world.
We will take a look at some of the best snooker players in Thailand and what makes them so special.
1. James Wattana
James Wattana is a former professional snooker player from Thailand. He was active between 1989 and 2008, and then again from 2009 to 2020. During his career, Wattana achieved great success, reaching his highest ranking of World Number 3 during the 1994-95 season.
This remarkable feat was the result of his skill and dedication to the sport of snooker. Wattana was a prolific competitor during his time on the professional snooker circuit.
He won several major tournaments, including the Thailand Open in 1989 and the Benson & Hedges Masters twice, in 1992 and 1995.
He also reached the final of the World Championship in 1992, and the semi-finals in 1990 and 1997. Throughout his career, Wattana was renowned for his tactical style of play.
He was an expert at potting long-range shots and playing positional shots, which enabled him to outwit and outplay his opponents.
He was also known for his passion and enthusiasm for the sport, which he transmitted to his audience. James Wattana is a respected figure in the history of snooker. He had an illustrious career and achieved great success on the professional circuit.
He was a highly talented player who will always be remembered for his achievements and his love of the game.
2. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh is a Thai professional snooker player who has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He is best known for his 2019 achievements, in which he won the prestigious Snooker Shoot Out for the first time in his career.
He then followed this up with an impressive performance in the World Open, coming second after a hard-fought match. This has established Thepchaiya Un-Nooh as one of the top professional snooker players in the world.
His success has further cemented Thailand’s place as one of the leading countries in the sport, demonstrating the high level of skill and determination that is needed to reach the top.
As Thepchaiya Un-Nooh continues to compete in major tournaments, he will no doubt continue to reach new heights in snooker.
3. Mink Nutcharut
Nutcharut Wongharuthai, more commonly known as Mink Nutcharut, is a professional snooker player from Thailand. She competes on both the professional World Snooker Tour and the World Women’s Snooker Tour.
Nutcharut is the only woman in history to have achieved the remarkable feat of making a maximum break in snooker. This incredible accomplishment was achieved during a practice match in March 2019. Nutcharut is a great example of the increasing popularity of women’s snooker.
She demonstrates the potential of female players to compete on the professional tour and the ability to achieve great feats in the game. Her maximum break is a testament to her skills and dedication, and she is an inspiration to many aspiring female snooker players.
4. Sunny Akani
Akani Songsermsawad, more commonly known as Sunny Akani, is a former professional snooker player from Thailand.
He is considered one of the most successful Thai snooker players of all time, having achieved multiple world ranking titles and reaching the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship in 2016. Akani first started playing snooker at the age of 16, when he was introduced to the game by a friend.
He quickly showed his talents in the sport, winning the National Snooker Championships in Thailand in 2001. His success then continued over the years, with Akani winning a total of seven world ranking events throughout his career.
This includes the 2015 Shanghai Masters, and the 2013 Asian Tour 1. Despite competing in the professional snooker scene for over two decades, Akani’s career peaked in 2016 when he reached the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship.
He became the first Thai player to reach this stage of the competition, and his performance was widely praised by the international snooker community. Akani retired from professional snooker in 2019 and is now a regular commentator on major snooker tournaments.
He is also a coach, having helped a number of young Thai players to reach the professional level. Sunny Akani’s contribution to the sport of snooker in Thailand is undeniable, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest Thai snooker players of all time.
5. Atthasit Mahitthi
Atthasit Mahitthi is a former professional Thai snooker player who achieved a great deal of success in his career. He notably reached the semi-finals of the 2006 IBSF World Amateur Championship in Amman, Jordan.
In this tournament, Mahitthi was pitted against Kurt Maflin and despite putting forth a valiant effort, he was ultimately defeated 8-4. This was a tremendous accomplishment for Mahitthi, demonstrating his skill and expertise within the sport of snooker.
Although he may not have achieved the championship title, Mahitthi’s performance at the IBSF World Amateur Championship is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
He was able to make it to the semi-finals, a feat that many snooker players have difficulty achieving. His efforts were rewarded with an impressive 8-4 defeat, showing that he was able to put up a strong fight against an experienced opponent.
The success that Atthasit Mahitthi achieved at the 2006 IBSF World Amateur Championship is a source of inspiration for aspiring snooker players. His hard work and dedication has proven to be worth it, as he was able to make it to the semi-finals and show his skill.
It is a reminder that with enough practice, anyone can reach the heights of success within the sport of snooker.
6. Tai Pichit
Chuchart Trairatanapradit, better known by his nickname Tai Pichit, is a former professional snooker player from Thailand. He competed in the World Snooker Championship three times, with his best performance coming in 1995 when he made it to the first round.
Pichit’s best overall ranking finish was when he reached the last 16 in the 1994 Thailand Open.
His success at this tournament earned him recognition and respect in the snooker world. Tai Pichit is considered a pioneer of snooker in Thailand, as he is one of the first players to be successful on the world stage.
His accomplishments are an inspiration for young snooker players in Thailand, and he has been credited with popularizing the sport in his home country. Pichit’s dedication to the sport and his achievements are recognized and respected in the snooker community.
7. Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn
Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn is an accomplished snooker player from Thailand. He achieved his greatest success in 2016 when he became the Asian Snooker Champion.
This accomplishment is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, as it is a prestigious title that requires beating the best players from all across the continent. Kritsanut’s success has been a source of pride for his home country.
He is an inspiring figure for aspiring snooker players in Thailand and has become a well-known figure in the snooker world.
As the Asian Snooker Champion, he has been able to reach a wider audience and has become a role model for many. Kritsanut has been able to use his success to help promote the sport in his home country and in the region.
He regularly visits schools and sporting events to coach and mentor young players.
He also works with local snooker associations to help organize tournaments and other events. Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn is an important figure in the snooker world, and his success in 2016 is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
His accomplishments have helped to raise the profile of Thai snooker players and have made him an inspiration to all aspiring players.
8. Noppon Saengkham
Noppon Saengkham is a professional snooker player from Thailand. He began playing snooker at a young age and quickly rose to the top of the ranks. He has become one of the most successful Thai snooker players of all time, having won numerous tournaments in Thailand and abroad.
He is currently ranked inside the top-50 players in the world and is a regular on the world tour. Off the table, Noppon is an ambassador for the sport in Thailand and is often seen promoting snooker in his home country.
He is also highly respected by fellow professional snooker players for his skill and sportsmanship. Noppon has become an inspiration for aspiring snooker players in Thailand and around the world and is an excellent example of how hard work and dedication can bring success.
9. Boonyarit Keattikun
Boonyarit Keattikun is a former professional snooker player who hails from Thailand. He was active in the field of snooker for almost two decades, from the early 1990s to the early 2010s.
During his playing career, he became a well-known figure in the world of snooker and was regarded by many as one of the best players from Thailand. Boonyarit Keattikun had a successful career as a professional snooker player.
He managed to reach the semi-finals of several major tournaments, including the Asian Snooker Championship in 2000. He also achieved considerable success in the domestic circuit, winning the Thailand Open in 1997 and the Thailand Masters in 1999.
During his time playing professional snooker, Keattikun was admired by fans and fellow players alike for his skill and dedication. His style of play was described as aggressive and he was known for his ability to pot long shots.
This earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the game. Though Keattikun retired from professional snooker in 2011, his contributions to the sport are still remembered and appreciated.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring snooker players from Thailand and around the world, who look up to him as a role model.
10. Ratchayothin Yotharuck
Ratchayothin Yotharuck is a former professional snooker player from Thailand. He has been playing snooker since he was a child, having started when he was only 10 years old.
Yotharuck is an experienced player and has had the opportunity to represent Thailand in various international snooker tournaments.
He has been joined by fellow Thai players Boonrayit Kiatkul and Noppon Saengkham in some of these events, competing against some of the world’s best snooker players.
Yotharuck’s long-standing experience and skill in the sport has made him one of Thailand’s most talented and successful snooker players.
11. Waratthanun Sukritthanes
Waratthanun Sukritthanes is a talented snooker player from Thailand. She has had great success in her career, winning the 2018 IBSF World Snooker Championship Women’s Championship.
This victory was made even more impressive by the fact that she was the runner-up in the same event the year before in 2017. Sukritthanes is a dedicated and hard working athlete.
She has had to overcome many challenges in her career, and her determination and drive to succeed have been rewarded.
Her accomplishments in the 2018 IBSF World Snooker Championship are a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport. Sukritthanes is an inspiration to other female athletes in Thailand. She has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Her victory in the 2018 tournament is a great example of what can be achieved when one puts in the necessary effort. She has set an example for other female athletes in Thailand and around the world to follow. Sukritthanes is a role model for aspiring female snooker players.
Her success in the 2018 IBSF World Snooker Championship proves that if you put in the hard work and dedication, you can achieve great things. Her story is sure to inspire many young female athletes to pursue their dreams and follow in her footsteps.
12. Kwan Poomjang
Suchakree “Kwan” Poomjang is a former professional snooker player who was active between 2001 and 2004. During his career, he achieved world-class status and reached the final stages of a tournament once at the 2002 UK Championship.
His highest ranking was 69th for the 2003–04 season. Kwan Poomjang was born in Thailand and started playing snooker professionally in 2001. During his three years on the sport’s main tour, he achieved success and recognition as a skilled player.
He reached the final stages of a tournament for the first time at the 2002 UK Championship. His performance in this tournament earned him more attention and recognition. Kwan Poomjang’s best performance was in the 2003–04 season when he achieved his highest ranking of 69th.
This was a remarkable accomplishment considering the level of competition and the number of players competing in the tour.
His success was a testament to his dedication and drive to become one of the best players in the world. Although Kwan Poomjang’s career was short-lived, his accomplishments during his three years on the main tour will remain a testament to his skill and determination.
He may not have achieved the same level of success as other players, but his dedication and achievements during his time in the sport will always be remembered.
13. Noppadon Noppachorn
Noppadon Noppachorn is a former professional snooker player from Thailand who had a successful career on the world snooker tour between 1992 and 2002. After making his debut on the tour in 1992, Noppadon quickly established himself as one of the top players from Thailand.
He recorded several impressive wins over some of the biggest names in the sport such as James Wattana and Tai Pichit. Noppadon also represented Thailand in the 1996 Snooker World Cup.
He formed a formidable team with Wattana and Pichit, and they achieved great success in the tournament.
Their performance helped to raise the profile of Thai snooker and put Thailand firmly on the snooker map. Noppadon has since retired from the professional game, but he still remains a popular figure in the snooker world.
He is fondly remembered for his impressive performances on the world snooker tour, and he is still held in high regard by many of his former opponents. Noppadon’s legacy will live on for many years to come.
14. Phaitoon Phonbun
Phaitoon Phonbun is a renowned Thai former professional snooker player. He is widely known for his remarkable achievements in the sport, having won the Asian Snooker Championship in 1986 and the Asian Billiards Championship in 1989.
He was the first Thai snooker player to win the Asian Snooker Championship. Phonbun was born in Bangkok, Thailand in 1962. Growing up, he was inspired by the success of fellow Thai snooker player, Chuchart Trairattanapradit.
He trained hard and eventually became a professional snooker player, representing Thailand in many international tournaments. During his career, Phonbun participated in several major tournaments, including the World Snooker Championship in 1990 and 1994, and the World Open in 1991 and 1993.
He also won the Asian Snooker Championship in 1986 and the Asian Billiards Championship in 1989. In addition to his achievements in snooker, Phonbun has also been involved in the development of the sport in Thailand.
He has helped to create a number of snooker training centers and clubs in the country. Today, Phonbun is considered one of the most successful professional snooker players in Thailand.
His achievements and contributions to the sport are remembered and respected by both players and fans alike. He is a true example of dedication and hard work, and a great source of inspiration for future generations of Thai snooker players.
15. Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon
Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon is a retired professional snooker player from Thailand. He began his professional career in 2010 after an impressive performance at the 2010 Asian Championship, where he made it to the semi-finals.
At the age of 17, he was the youngest player to compete in the 2010/2011 main tour, an extraordinary accomplishment. His success in the tournament earned him the distinction of being the Asian nomination for the main tour.
Thirapongpaiboon was able to achieve such early success due to his athleticism and dedication to the sport. He was known for his fast reflexes and ability to make precise shots.
He was also praised for his enthusiasm and determination, which helped him to overcome obstacles and remain focused on his goals. Thirapongpaiboon retired from the professional snooker circuit in 2016, but his legacy lives on.
He will always be remembered as a talented snooker player who rose to the top at a young age. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring snooker players all over the world, proving that age should never be a barrier to achieving success.
16. Dechawat Poomjaeng
Dechawat Poomjaeng is a professional snooker player from Thailand. He is one of the most successful snooker players from his home country, having won several tournaments and earned a great deal of respect in the sport.
Poomjaeng began playing snooker at a very early age and quickly developed a skill set that would eventually take him to the highest levels of the game.
He was first introduced to the sport by his father, who had also been a snooker player. Poomjaeng has won numerous tournaments, such as the Philippine Professional Snooker Championship in 2011, and the Thailand Professional Snooker Championship in 2013.
He has also taken part in the World Professional Snooker Championship, where he made it to the quarterfinals in 2013.
Poomjaeng is also known for his strong defensive play, which has earned him the nickname “The Wall”.His success on the snooker table has made him a popular figure in Thailand, with many people following his career closely.
He is also a frequent guest on Thai TV shows, where he provides snooker tips and insights into the game. Poomjaeng’s dedication and skill have made him one of the top snooker players in the world, and he shows no sign of slowing down.
17. Issara Kachaiwong
Issara Kachaiwong is a renowned figure in the world of snooker. He is a former professional Thai snooker player with a distinguished career in the sport. He began his career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become a professional player.
In 1998, he won the Asian Snooker Championship and went on to represent Thailand in many international tournaments. His impressive play earned him a number of accolades, including a bronze medal in the World Cup of Pool in 2006.
He also achieved a career-high ranking of 12th in the world rankings in 2011. Issara’s success on the snooker table won him recognition and admiration from fans and fellow players alike. He has also become a role model for many aspiring professional snooker players in Thailand.
His influence has helped to popularize snooker in the country, and he continues to inspire players of all ages who are looking to make their mark in the sport. Despite his retirement in 2014, Issara Kachaiwong still remains an inspiration to many within the snooker community.
His life and career serve as a reminder that hard work and dedication can result in great success. He is a true testament to the power of perseverance and will be remembered as one of the greats in the world of snooker.
18. Supoj Saenla
Supoj Saenla is a highly accomplished former professional snooker player from Thailand. He is known for his impressive skills in the sport and has enjoyed a successful career as a professional player.
Born in the city of Chiang Mai, Supoj is a native of Thailand and has been living in the same city ever since. Supoj has been playing snooker since a young age and his passion for the sport has only grown over time.
He has won numerous tournaments and awards during his career, including the 2017 Thailand Open Snooker Championship, the 2018 China Open Snooker Championship and the 2019 World Cup of Pool.
His impressive achievements in the sport have made him a respected figure in the snooker world. In addition to his success as a professional snooker player, Supoj has also been involved in several other snooker-related activities.
He is an active member of the Chiang Mai Snooker Association, a group that organizes tournaments and events for snooker players in the city.
He is also a regular participant in the Thai Snooker League, a competition that brings together some of the best snooker players from around the country. Supoj Saenla is a testament to the dedication and commitment that is necessary to become a successful professional snooker player.
His impressive career serves as an inspiration to aspiring snooker players everywhere and his name will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest snooker players from Thailand.
19. Passakorn Suwannawat
Passakorn Suwannawat is a Thai former professional snooker player. He was a successful athlete, having won multiple events during his career.
He was a member of the Thai national snooker team and was known for his aggressive and attacking style of play. Passakorn was born in Chiang Mai in 1980 and first started playing snooker at the age of 16.
He quickly developed into one of the best players in the country, and by the age of 20 he was already competing in international tournaments.
Over the next decade, Passakorn continued to achieve success on the international stage, winning titles in China, England, India and elsewhere. Passakorn was known for his steady and aggressive approach to the game.
He was known to push the boundaries of each frame, always looking to score the maximum points possible.
Passakorn was also known for his creative shot-making, which often included unorthodox angles and surprising shots. Despite his success, Passakorn’s career was cut short due to financial constraints.
After winning the Asian Games in 2006, he retired from professional snooker and returned to his hometown of Chiang Mai. Today, Passakorn continues to be involved in the sport, frequently providing commentary and analysis of matches on local television.
He also runs a snooker academy in Chiang Mai, where he teaches the fundamentals of the game to aspiring young players.
20. Noppadol Sangnil
Noppadol Sangnil is a former professional snooker player from Thailand. He first became a professional snooker player in 2001-02 season, but he was unable to maintain his status and dropped out of the league at the end of the year.
After a few years of absence from the professional snooker scene, Noppadol Sangnil made a comeback in 2009-10 season, but his second stint was also short-lived and he left the league again after completing only one season.
Despite his short-term career as a professional snooker player, Noppadol Sangnil has made a lasting impression on the Thai snooker community and is remembered fondly by his peers and colleagues.
21. Sakchai Sim Ngam
Sakchai Sim Ngam is an accomplished Thai athlete who has achieved great success in the world of professional snooker. He began playing snooker in his native Thailand and quickly rose to become one of the country’s top players.
His skill and dedication were rewarded in 1995 when he won the prestigious International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship. This was a huge accomplishment for Sakchai, as it was the first time a Thai player had won the tournament.
He was also the first Asian player to win the tournament, making him a true pioneer in the sport. Since his victory in 1995, Sakchai has continued to excel in snooker.
He has competed in many international tournaments and has been a regular presence in the top-tier professional snooker circuit. His commitment to the sport and his success have made him an inspiration to many aspiring snooker players.
Conclusion
The best Snooker players in Thailand are undoubtedly talented and have achieved great success in the sport. Their accomplishments have allowed them to become some of the most successful and celebrated athletes in the country.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that these players will continue to be among the top competitors in the world.
