Introducing Thanakorn Duangmanee as a candidate for the Sports Authority of Thailand Governor seat, highlighting his journey from former national youth athlete and ex-vice president of the Lawn Tennis Association to a global agency leader, ready to tackle major challenges and lead "Thai sports" beyond national borders.
The election for the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Governor continues to gain momentum. Recently, Thanakorn Duangmanee, CEO of The Agency Group, officially submitted his candidacy to be one of the 10 contenders. He brings expertise as a former national athlete, behind-the-scenes supporter of world-class athletes, sports organization executive, and developer of Thai youth into international educational institutions for over 40 years, with a reform vision to "break all barriers and pave the way for Thai sports to go global."
Genuine athletic family DNA: From generation to generation, paving the way for his son to earn a golf scholarship at the top university in America and compete on the PGA Tour.
Thanakorn Duangmanee was born and raised in a true athlete family (he is the son of Thammanoon Duangmanee, a former footballer and runner for Suankularb Wittayalai School and Thammasat University. His father has long been involved in sports, managing the Bangkok Bank football team (K Cup) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand team, and once held the national record for fastest runner). Thanakorn started sports at age five, was a "Chang Phueak" scholarship recipient at Chulalongkorn University (first-year accounting), then moved to study in the United States for bachelor's and master's degrees. He served as a Thai national youth tennis player, reaching world rank 46 and becoming the second Thai to pass the first round at the Junior Wimbledon.
Beyond his personal success, Thanakorn has proven his ability as a "father who builds athletes," pushing both his sons to the top ranks in youth and collegiate golf in the U.S.: "George" (George Duangmanee Jr., eldest son) made a name early by winning the Drive, Chip & Putt championship at Augusta National, earned a full scholarship to play golf at the University of Virginia (America's number one golf university), and is now a pro competing in majors like the US Open and PGA Tour events.
Meanwhile, "Jorshee" (younger son) follows suit with a golf athletic scholarship at the University of Virginia as well, currently ranked in the top 3 collegiate golfers in the U.S. He recently led his team to second place in the NCAA Division I national golf championship. Additionally, their youngest daughter is studying at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution, reflecting a truly balanced vision and management of academics and sports.
Behind the success of legendary Thai athletes & sports recruitment network in nearly 40 years in the United States.
Thanakorn Duangmanee has been behind the global successes of many Thai athletes through establishing the Thai Tennis in America association (a nonprofit 501(c)(3)). His mentorship includes: Pradorn Srichaphan, whom he advised financially and supported from world rank 200 up to number 9; Alex Albon, whom he advised from ages 15-16 during his early Formula 1 racing career; Amanda Carr, a Thai-American BMX cyclist on the Thai national team; and many others across various sports.
- Golf: He has managed "Pro PK" Patcharajutha Kongkraphan, supporting her from Epson Tour competition to earning an LPGA tour card, as well as "Pro Sai" Phinra Luangboonrung, and provided advice to "Pro Noo Ma" Jantima Kalyanmitta and Stacy Prachomsut, professional female golfers of Thai-American descent.
- Thai basketball: He helped push "Joe" Ratchadech Kretiva, the first Thai basketball player to compete professionally in the U.S.
- Tennis: "Jedi" Credit Chairin, Helen De Cesare, a Thai-Italian female tennis player.
- Fencing: "Pim" Natthakorn Malaithong, specializing in sabre.
- Swimming: "Nong Fresh" Manita Sathienchokvisan, a rising Thai national swimmer affiliated with Singha Swimming Club, who received a university scholarship in the U.S., and Prakunthee Rai, a Thai youth national swimmer.
- Esports: Karin Siriphokkit (known as Maybe in esports circles).
- Badminton: Sarun Rakcharoen, badminton player.
- Figure skating and ice skating: Thanathorn Phumjindanun, representing Thailand.
- Figure skating: Kidakarn Thammasirianan, Thai national team figure skater.
- Horse riding: Nong Kobua Puttisombat.
- Kamolnuth Sornplang (Meji), dancer; Miss Pimsuras Pissamai, dancer; and Chanon Limjerajarus, trombone player.
- Ice hockey: Kiatrat Pawattjirachot.
- Snooker: Advisor to Mink Saraburi (Natcharat Wongharuthai), a world-renowned female Thai snooker player.
- Football: He has mentored Poom Dhararag, a Thai defender who made history as the first Thai to play in the NCAA Division 1 men's soccer program in the U.S.
- Athletics: North Suthumpun, track and field jumper at George Mason University.
- Triathlon: "Panpan" Worawut Phattrakulchai, a Thai national youth triathlete and the first Thai male triathlete in history to compete at the NCAA level, representing Wingate University in the U.S.
- Volleyball: "Gun" Kattapon Kraisiriphop, the first Thai male volleyball player to compete in NCAA Division 1 with Long Island University.
Importantly, he organized the US College Sports Camp and, as CEO of The Agency College Recruit, has connected a network of American university coaches to scout Thai athletes, awarding scholarships to over 1,400 students (out of more than 2,000 across Asia), totaling scholarship values exceeding one billion baht over 16 years.
Achievements in bringing global events to Thailand, sports organization management, and government sector networking.
Thanakorn is well accustomed to working with government and international organizations (such as WWA, USTA, ATP, WTA, LPGA, ITF, and global agencies like IMG, Octagon, Lagardère, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), William Morris Endeavor (WME)). His notable accomplishments include: Domestic sports association management—serving 10 years on the Board of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under royal patronage, trusted as vice president, providing deep insight into Thai sports structure and development.
Generating global sports star buzz for Thailand: Owner and organizer of the historic Nadal vs Djokovic match (2015) at Indoor Stadium Huamark, plus a six-year tennis showcase in Hua Hin featuring stars like Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki. He also brought Rory McIlroy to promote Thai culture and tourism, showcasing Thai culture and tourism booths at world-class tournaments such as Indian Wells, Miami Open, Citi Open (Washington D.C.), and Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA Tour). International organizational leadership: Selected for the Leadership Fairfax program (a leading U.S. county) and served as treasurer of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section for 10 years.
Thanakorn revealed his key inspiration to run for SAT Governor: He wants to solve major issues and answer questions that have puzzled all Thais: "I want to address why Thai football has yet to reach the World Cup, why we haven't won Olympic gold medals in mass sports like swimming, tennis, or golf, and why Thai kids excel before age 15 but then their progress slows? My experience, connections, and over 40 years at the Thai sports association leadership and international levels are ready to tackle these problems. I firmly believe Thais can succeed, and we must overcome every barrier to take Thai sports beyond ASEAN and Asia."
Biography and key qualifications:
Thanakorn Duangmanee is currently 55 years old. Education: Bachelor of Accounting, Chulalongkorn University (first year before transferring to study in the U.S.), Bachelor’s degree from University of South Alabama, MBA from George Washington University.
Work experience: Served three terms on the Board of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under royal patronage; Term 1 as board member during Suwat Liptapanlop’s presidency (per SAT registration dated 21 Nov 2014), Term 2 as vice president under Kittisombat Euammongkol (SAT registration dated 29 Nov 2016), Term 3 as vice president under Kittisombat Euammongkol (SAT registration dated 15 Mar 2018). Former Thai national youth tennis player (ranked 46 globally). Vice president and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley for 20 years. Former secretary of Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC and advisor for True Arena Hua Hin project. Expertise includes sports rights management, sports association administration, organizing global events, building international scholarship systems, youth athlete professional development, native-level English, and leadership skills coordinating public-private partnerships.
Currently serves as CEO of The Agency Group / The Agency College Recruit / Sport Capital.