Sukhothai’s governor is thrilled as the first round of the BMX championship promotes tourism and stimulates the economy. “Phutthaphum” advances to the final as anticipated, while “Kometh” is resting to recover and prepare for a major competition.
On 24 January 2026, Noparit Sirikosol, governor of Sukhothai, expressed his pleasure that the first round of the Thai BMX Championship held in Si Satchanalai district helped promote tourism and effectively stimulated the local economy. Thai national rider Phutthaphum Nakpan, a two-time silver medalist at the 33rd SEA Games, advanced to the final as expected. Meanwhile, Kometh Sukprasert, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist, is resting to treat a hip injury and prepare physically for the upcoming international BMX event, the Thailand BMX Cup 2026, at Kamol Sports Complex in Bangkok. This C1 level event includes world ranking points that count toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.
The Thai BMX Championship, competing for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the year 2026, held its first round on 24-25 January at the Chalerm Phrakiat BMX Track, Si Satchanalai Municipality, Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai province. The opening ceremony on 24 January was presided over by Noparit Sirikosol, governor of Sukhothai, with attendees including Navy Captain Thitiporn Noirak, secretary-general of the Cycling Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, Ekkasit Wilaisilp, district chief of Si Satchanalai, Chaiya Boonkerd, mayor of Si Satchanalai Municipality, and various government officials at the plaza of the King Ramkhamhaeng Monument (Phaya Lithai).
Noparit Sirikosol, governor of Sukhothai, stated his gratitude to the Cycling Association of Thailand for hosting the BMX Championship in Sukhothai, especially in Si Satchanalai district, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Sukhothai is the only province in Thailand recognized by UNESCO for four listings: 1) World Heritage Cities: the historic cities of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet; 2) Memory of the World: the Ramkhamhaeng Inscription; 3) Creative City Network in Crafts and Folk Art, with traditional silver and goldwork, local textiles, and Sangkhalok ceramics; and 4) Learning City, combining historical heritage with lifelong learning promotion.
The governor added that hosting cycling sports in Sukhothai promotes athletes’ physical health and also supports tourism and economic stimulation in the province. This event promotes all dimensions: sports, tourism, and economy. Visitors and athletes to Si Satchanalai district can purchase local souvenirs such as ancient silver and goldware, traditional textiles, and Sangkhalok ceramics—three signature products of Sukhothai. Also popular are local foods like fried peanuts and Sukhothai noodles, known for their delicious flavors. The people of Sukhothai warmly welcome all visitors.
In the results from the first round of the Thai BMX Championship on 24 January, during the qualifying rounds, notable results included the men’s amateur category where Phutthaphum Nakpan, a Thai national rider and two-time silver medalist from the 33rd SEA Games representing C.S.K. Tooling Pathumthani team, scored first place to advance to the finals as expected. Local riders Kanawut Chueathahan and Chairat Thomodorn from Sisatchanalai BMX Racing (SBR) team took second and third place respectively.
Meanwhile, “Ae” Sergeant Kometh Sukprasert, Thai national rider and two-time gold medalist from the 33rd SEA Games representing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence team, did not compete due to resting a right hip injury sustained from a fall during the 2025 Asian Cycling Championships in Japan in early November 2025. He is preparing to be fully fit to compete in the international BMX event, Thailand BMX Cup 2026, on 15 March at Kamol Sports Complex, Nong Chok district, Bangkok. This C1 level competition awards world ranking points affecting qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
In the women’s amateur category, Hathai Phet Jaisawang from the Fisherman Friend Rama 3 team scored first to qualify for the final, along with “Fa” Sergeant Chutikarn Kitwanitsethiran, a female national rider from the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence team, as well as Khemika Srisopa and Nattawan Tasai, both from S.R.I. Cycling Team: Ban Dek Ying Saraburi.
In the boys’ youth category, Kantaphat Phosri from CK Racing - Ayutthaya Wittayalai School advanced to the final alongside Phumjaitai Nakpan from C.S.K. Tooling Pathumthani and Kunanon Rodsuphan from Bangkok Sports School & Roojai team.
In the girls’ youth category, Papada Krongprong from S.R.I. Cycling Team: Ban Dek Ying Saraburi ranked first to enter the final alongside her twin sister Papichaya Krongprong from the same team, as well as Natthayan Phuget from Bangkok Sports School & Roojai team. Full results can be followed on the Cycling Association of Thailand’s website at www.thaicycling.or.th.
The competition schedule for Sunday, 25 January, begins at 09:00 with semifinals and finals across all categories. The event will be broadcast live on the Thailand Cycling Association’s Facebook page and on YouTube via the TCA Channel, allowing sports fans to watch throughout the competition.