Asian student rugby by the Thai Red Cross contributes funds to aid the Thai-Cambodian border area.
The Rugby Football Association of Thailand under royal patronage, together with the Thai Red Cross, is organizing the Asian Student 7s Rugby Championship for the Thai Red Cross. The competition will award the Royal Cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and will take place on 10-11 Jan 2026 at the Air Force Sports Stadium (Thupatemi). Net proceeds after expenses will be donated to help victims affected by the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
A press conference about the event was held in the meeting room on the 4th floor of the Administration Building at the Thai Red Cross Fundraising Bureau. The event featured Mr. Khan Prajuabmoh, Director of the Fundraising Office of the Thai Red Cross, and Pol. Col. Suphachai Piammanas, Vice President of the Rugby Football Association of Thailand under royal patronage.
Pol. Col. Suphachai Piammanas said the Rugby Football Association of Thailand has collaborated with the Thai Red Cross for the fourth consecutive year. This year, the format was changed to a 7-a-side student rugby tournament at the Asian level. The association invited school teams from Malaysia, Taiwan, Qatar, Pakistan, India, and Laos to compete alongside five Thai schools. The male teams include Vajiravudh College, Phor Por Ror Rajavithayalai School, and Armed Forces Preparatory School; the female teams are Rajaprajanugroh 66 School in Narathiwat and Triam Udom Suksa School in Surat Thani. These five schools qualified through the national championship and are well prepared. The Asian student championship format aims to promote and develop rugby among youth, providing players with an international platform to compete, which benefits team and athlete development.
Furthermore, cooperation with the Thai Red Cross for charity reflects the policy of Pol. Lt. Col. Kulthan Prajuabmoh, President of the Rugby Football Association of Thailand, who seeks to offer Thai people the opportunity to donate to the Red Cross projects. The association is confident that all aid reaches Thai citizens directly, honoring and expressing loyalty and gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who continues royal duties and serves as patron and director of the Thai Red Cross.
Mr. Khan Prajuabmoh stated that over time, the Thai Red Cross has been able to provide timely assistance to disaster victims, thanks in part to cooperation from all partners, especially the Rugby Football Association of Thailand and related parties. Recognizing the power of sports to benefit society, the association has continuously organized rugby events with the Thai Red Cross for over 20 years, using proceeds to support the humanitarian mission nationwide. These funds feed into the Emergency Fund for Disaster Victims, allowing immediate use without delays when incidents occur.
Mr. Khan added that regarding the ongoing unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border since late last year, which continues to have impacts, the Thai Red Cross has rapidly deployed aid to people in nine provinces between 8-26 December 2025, providing assistance valued at over 7 million baht. Aid includes care packages, hygiene kits, blankets, and mobile medical units closely attending to affected residents.
“Therefore, directing proceeds from this event to aid those affected by the border situation is highly significant. It not only alleviates physical hardship but also boosts morale for people facing difficulties. The Thai Red Cross affirms its role as a bridge to deliver aid according to the association’s objectives, maximizing benefits for victims. We hope to see such valuable charitable activities continue annually to foster the spirit of giving among rugby athletes,” Mr. Khan said.