Phetchaburi: Elevating the capabilities of Thailand's Paralympic team, the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association is intensively training 20 national-level coaches at "Level 2" to lay the foundation for competing for gold medals on the world stage. The Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of Thailand is moving forward to elevate Thai disabled sports to international standards, launching the National Level 2 Athletics Coach Training Program for Cerebral Palsy Patients from August 11-15, 2026, at I-Thara Resort and Spa, Phetchaburi Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the program aims to impart advanced knowledge and enhance the capabilities of 20 coaches from across the country, enabling them to become key players in nurturing new athletes for the Thai national team. The training, led by world-class instructors including Assistant Professor Amnuay Boonseng from the Athletics Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage and Mr. Ekawit Saengphol from World Athletics, focused on in-depth coaching principles, training program design, and tailoring strategies to unlock the potential of athletes with cerebral palsy according to their disability type. Participants underwent rigorous evaluation.
The certificates of accreditation were presented by Dr. Kittipong Pothimoon, Major General Ananat Rattanapol, Head Coach of the Thai National Team for Athletes with Cerebral Palsy, and Assistant Professor Amnuay Boonseng. The 20 coaches who have completed the national training (Level 2) include Mr. Anawil Samae, Mr. Bassan Samang, Mr. Khajornkiat Saenglek, Mr. Nattapol Thepsukhon, Mr. Chakraphong Tuayjaturat, Mr. Ahamah Naje, Mr. Nattapol Saijaidee, Mr. Tosapol Photikham, Mr. Somchai Pandito, Mr. Surachai Noireung, Mr. Sunthorn Tharahansa, Mr. Piyanut Kamkaew, Mrs. Kwanjai Khamthit, Ms. Pichchapa Siriruen, Ms. Sunisa Fookkaew, Mrs. Chitra Dolphuphanan, Ms. Sarutta Anan, Ms. Chantranipa Boonwong, Mrs. Panjarat Saengwijit, and Ms. Wathida Wichakham.
All personnel come from leading educational institutions and disability development organizations nationwide, such as Sri Sangwal School Khon Kaen, Sri Sangwal School Chiang Mai, Yala Special Education School, Chonburi Special Education School (Chaliew Bhavananuson), Chiang Rai Panyanukul School, Karunyavesm Home for the Protection and Development of Persons with Disabilities, and the School for Physically and Mobility Impaired in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This initiative is considered crucial in scouting for talented individuals at the youth level, with the aim of nurturing them to compete at national and international levels in the future.