Thai Go Association Holds Annual Conference, Advancing Youth Players to the World Stage
The Thai Go Association launched a Young Go Fast Track program targeting youth aged 6-15 to develop elite players for international competition, as the sport continues growing with over one million Thai players.
The Thai Go Association held its 2569 annual general meeting to report on the past year's activities and present policies for advancing Thai go in the coming period. The meeting was attended by founder Korsak Chairasmusit, president Vichai Chungvirojanpun, board members, and legal representative Chamorn Chamri from the Thai Sports Authority's Legal Department at the association's Seki Hall.
Founder Korsak Chairasmusit noted that the association began as a Go club on August 25, 1993, and was upgraded to association status in 2003. Over the years, it has continuously conducted go instruction, organized competitions, and promoted athletes to international competitions.
Go is recognized as a sport that develops critical thinking, analysis, planning, and discipline—essential skills for modern youth development. It also offers diverse career paths including teaching, professional playing, and establishing community go schools. Chairasmusit praised Thai go players' competitive abilities while emphasizing strict quality and standards. Thailand currently has over one million go players, reflecting the sport's steady growth.
President Vichai Chungvirojanpun outlined five strategic pillars: Population (increasing players), Network (expanding connections), Go Star (creating champions), Sponsor (securing funding), and Branding (building the go brand). The immediate focus is developing superstar players, as high-level competitors are limited. The association prioritizes youth players aged 6-15 through intensive training programs to increase skilled players at the amateur level, supported by go schools' crucial roles.
The key initiative is the Young Go Fast Track program, which recruits youth aged 6-15 with 1 Kyu or higher skill level for on-site training under professional go players' direct guidance to prepare for national and international competitions.
Nine-year-old Preem, a 1 Dan level participant, shared that she discovered go at a shopping mall, tried it, and fell in love with the game. After four years of play, she enjoys meeting friends and aims to reach 6 Dan. Nine-year-old Tara, also 1 Dan level, similarly tried the game and became passionate about it.
