The Thai ice hockey team ignores off-rink drama! Joins forces to compete in the World Championship, aiming for a Division 2 comeback.
27 March 2026 – Updates on the Thai national men's open ice hockey team preparing to compete in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division III Group A from 13 to 19 April 2026 in South Africa.
On 27 March at Imperial World Samrong rink, training took place with Dr. Suwanna Silpa-archa, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and team manager, visiting to encourage the athletes before traveling to study sports management systems and national training centers in South Korea, known as Asia's top country for athlete training systems.
Dr. Suwanna Silpa-archa said she feels honored to serve as the team manager for the Thai men's open ice hockey team. Each time she visits the rink, she tells the athletes to play happily and give their best. This team may not be the strongest yet, as it mixes senior players with young talents from the U-18 Division 3 world champion team, but that's acceptable. She thanked the players for their continued desire to play for Thailand, not expecting to win the championship but hoping everyone remains strong.
"Regarding the ice hockey news outside the rink, I choose not to get involved. Right now, my focus is on the national team. I tell the players and send messages of encouragement that whenever they come to train or are at Imperial Samrong rink, this is a safe zone—a protected space for all athletes. I want them to enjoy playing, meet friends, and when they are happy, they can show their full potential. This is what I tell the players," Dr. Suwanna said.
Captain Masato Kitayama said the team must be as prepared as possible. The young talents are very capable, hungry for victory, and ready to play. As for the off-rink issues making the news, they pay little attention because everyone enjoys the sport and gives their all. They can separate these external matters from their focus.
Meanwhile, "Kin" Thanachai Sakchaicharoenkul, an artist and actor under GMM, said after the SEA Games, he took a short break and did some work but has now refocused on ice hockey. Returning to the rink, he was surprised by the strong potential of the young players. Although the team was relegated to Division 3 last year, this year they will do everything to return to Division 2.
Hideki Nakayama, an actor and advertising model, said that following the U-18 team's Division 3 world championship win, many of those young players have been promoted to the senior Thai national team. Many possess strong potential and fit well with the senior team's system, which reassures the veterans. In this World Championship, he might not be the main contributor but could be the one relying on others more.
