Krabi is ready to host the world-class marathon swimming event "OCEANMAN KRABI 2026."
Krabi Province is preparing to welcome swimmers from around the world to the international sea marathon swimming competition "OCEANMAN KRABI 2026," attracting athletes from over 50 countries to stimulate the Andaman's sports tourism economy. The event will take place on 28–29 March 2026 at Khlong Muang Beach, Nong Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Krabi Province.
Mr. Angoon Silatewagul, Governor of Krabi Province, presided over the press conference launching the "OCEANMAN KRABI 2026" competition. Attending the event at SCB X Next Tech, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, were Mr. Tosaphon Wansupaphon, Director of Tourism Promotion Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Aree Wasanasit, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Krabi Office; and Anusit Sukprasert, CEO of OCEANMAN THAILAND.
Also present were notable athletes including Darling Arda Arayawut, an actress and former member of the girl group Sugar Eye, as well as a swimmer and triathlete; Coach Boat Sasithat Kulsuptrakul, an open water swimming expert; Phone Araya Phumchitomorn, a leading Thai open water swimmer and former national team athlete, two-time OCEANMAN Thailand champion; John Kritayos Kanjanadul, model and swimmer; and Sergio Chiarandini, the first Italian swimmer to win a silver medal in the world marathon swimming championships.
This competition is organized by Krabi Province in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Thailand Krabi Office and Able Agency Co., Ltd., the license holder of OCEANMAN THAILAND. The main goal is to promote Krabi as an international Sports Tourism destination and to drive the Andaman area's tourism economy through world-class sporting events.
The event will be held from 28–29 March 2026 at Khlong Muang Beach, Nong Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Krabi Province—one of the beautiful beaches in the Andaman Sea, ideal for international water sports competitions.
OCEANMAN KRABI 2026 is one of the popular marathon sea swimming competitions worldwide, offering opportunities for both professional and amateur swimmers to participate.
The competition features various race distances: OCEANMAN (10 kilometers), HALF OCEANMAN (5 kilometers), SPRINT OCEANMAN (2 kilometers), and OCEANKIDS/TEAM (500 meters).
Additionally, categories are divided by age groups. Each distance includes men's and women's individual races, as well as men's, women's, and mixed team events, providing athletes of all levels a chance to challenge themselves.
Governor Angoon Silatewagul stated, "Krabi Province has outstanding potential in both natural resources and tourism infrastructure. We expect over 500 athletes from 46 countries worldwide, along with many supporters and tourists, to participate. This is projected to generate economic value exceeding 72 million baht for Krabi and the Andaman region."
He added, "This event is not only a stage for international marathon swimmers but also a key opportunity to showcase the charm of the Andaman Sea, local culture, and Krabi's tourism potential globally. It reinforces Krabi's image as a ‘Sports City’ and promotes Sports Tourism, Thailand's soft power, through sporting activities connected to nature and creative tourism."
Aree Wasanasit, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Krabi Office, revealed that the Sports Authority prioritizes developing sports for tourism, or Sports Tourism. The international marathon swimming event “OCEANMAN Krabi 2026” is one such activity that attracts athletes worldwide to Thailand and concretely boosts the local economy.
Meanwhile, Anusit Sukprasert, CEO of OCEANMAN THAILAND, said organizing OCEANMAN KRABI 2026 is a special occasion because Krabi was the starting point 10 years ago when the history of world-class marathon swimming in Thailand began. He expressed pride in building a strong open water swimming community and elevating Thailand's event standards, earning worldwide recognition from international athletes.
He added, "The return to Krabi for this anniversary is grander than before. Besides the beautiful course, we have prepared many special activities to welcome athletes and their supporters throughout the event. Our top priority is always ‘safety.’ We have enhanced water safety measures at all distances to ensure every athlete can confidently push their limits. This also plays a crucial role in revitalizing Krabi's economy and tourism."
Those interested can follow official OCEANMAN THAILAND announcements and find more information at www.facebook.com/OCEANMANThailand or contact 085-262-5461 for further details.