Supamas is promoting digital chess to develop Thai youth for the global stage and establish Thailand as the ASEAN digital sports hub. She has ordered the Public Relations Department to actively promote the ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup 2026, which Thailand will host.
On 10 June 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, together with Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaileu, Advisor to the Minister, Ms. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister, and Mr. Chaiwat Boonchawalit, Deputy Director-General of the Public Relations Department, met with executives of the Thai Chess Association led by Mr. Sahaphol Nakwanich, President of the Association. They discussed ways to promote both traditional and digital chess sports to develop Thai youth potential and elevate Thailand as a regional center for sports and digital innovation.
On this occasion, the Association presented plans for the ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup 2026, scheduled for 13 June 2026 GMT+7 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. This event is the ultimate competition featuring top chess players from Europe, the Middle East, and champions from 11 ASEAN countries. World-class players leading the field include Magnus Carlsen, the world number one from Norway, and Fabiano Caruana, world number two from the United States, who will participate in the tournament.
Ms. Supamas stated that the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul values the promotion of soft power and the digital economy. Chess is a sport that helps develop analytical thinking, planning, decision-making, and concentration—essential skills for youth in the 21st century.
“Digital chess offers a platform for Thai youth to compete and learn alongside world-class players. Thailand hosting this event reflects the country's readiness in terms of personnel, technology, and digital infrastructure to become the ASEAN digital sports hub,” Ms. Supamas said.
Ms. Supamas assigned the Public Relations Department to support promotion of the competition through all channels to raise awareness, encourage youth participation, and project a positive image of Thailand internationally. She invited the public and youth to follow the competition and cheer for Thai athletes via the Public Relations Department and the Thai Chess Association's website, thailandchess.or.th.
“I want Thai people to see that chess is not distant from us but is another platform that helps develop Thai youth and create opportunities on the international stage,” Ms. Supamas said.
The ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup 2026 will open at 09:00 GMT+7. Key highlights include a special interview with Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana at 16:00, a fan meet-and-greet at 17:00, and the awards ceremony at 18:00.