Surawut highlights balance bike racing as a builder of quality youth, Singaporean parents praise Thailand’s high standards in event organization.
Mr. Surawut Cherdchai, chairman of the opening ceremony for the 3rd round of the 2026 Thailand Balance Bike Championship at Central Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, praised the Cycling Association of Thailand for promoting balance bike sports into a health-building activity that develops youth, strengthens family bonds, and stimulates the local economy. Meanwhile, Singaporean parents brought their daughters to compete in Thailand, complimenting the event’s professional and systematic organization, which surpasses competitions in Singapore. The live broadcasts on Facebook Live and YouTube attracted over 20,000 viewers.
The 3rd round of the 2026 Thailand Balance Bike Championship for the Royal Cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was held on 19 July 2026 at Korat Hall, 4th floor, Central Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima. The opening ceremony featured Mr. Surawut Cherdchai, Managing Director of Cherdchai Corporation Co., Ltd. and Vice Chairman Advisor of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, along with General Decha Hemkrasri, Deputy Chairman of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, the association’s executive committee, and Ms. Nisa Chapu-puang, General Manager of Central Korat Shopping Center.
After the opening ceremony, Mr. Surawut Cherdchai expressed his gratitude to the Cycling Association of Thailand and the organizing committee for honoring Nakhon Ratchasima Province by hosting the 3rd round of the Thailand Balance Bike Championship for the Royal Cup. He was pleased to see parents from across the country bringing their children to compete. Beyond promoting strong health and development while reducing screen time, the event strengthens family relationships as parents and grandparents come to cheer, creating shared family activities. It also boosts Nakhon Ratchasima’s economy, with over 2,000 parents and athletes attending, increasing income for hotels, shops, restaurants, and OTOP souvenir vendors.
Mr. Surawut added that the Cycling Association of Thailand has planned athlete development from toddlers through adults. Competitors aged from 1 year 6 months to 10 years build a foundation in cycling that can lead to BMX and other disciplines. He thanked General Decha Hemkrasri, president of the cycling association, for strengthening the association and raising cycling as a prestigious sport of Thailand.
Ms. Joyce Chiew from Singapore, who brought her daughter, Miss Quinnie Tan, to compete in Nakhon Ratchasima, said she learned about the event from the Cycling Association of Thailand’s Facebook page. She brought her daughter to participate and expressed gratitude to the association for organizing the event systematically, on schedule, and with high standards and excellent facilitation. She noted a clear difference between Thailand’s and Singapore’s competitions, praising Thailand’s larger scale, higher standards, and greater professionalism.
Mrs. Krisana Yimcharoen, grandmother of Miss Nicha Thimpatum, said she came to support her granddaughter and saw the children’s talent and charm. Since starting balance biking, Nicha has shown improved development, discipline, understanding of rules and etiquette, and increased courage in thinking and decision-making—unlike before when she was hesitant. Frequent participation clearly made a difference, improving her confidence, skills, and social interactions with peers. She encouraged parents not to fear injury because children are well-protected with safety gear, and following rules prevents danger. She invited parents to bring children to balance bike riding as it benefits their development greatly.
The 3rd round of the balance bike competition was broadcast live on the Thailand Cycling Association’s Facebook Live and the TCA Channel on YouTube, drawing over 20,000 combined views. Notable winners included in the Open 3.1-5 years boys category: 1st place Prinn Ananta, 2nd Nuntipat Duangchan, 3rd Supasin Takerd; in the girls category: 1st Alita Muangpia, 2nd Quinnie Tan from Singapore, 3rd Thanathasupa Kaewmahathai.
In the under-2 boys category, 1st place went to Wachirathorn Sukkit, 2nd to Puriphat Ruangsri, and 3rd to Thanakorn Luangkulwat. In the under-2 girls category, 1st was Alavie Sukgree, 2nd Panyarat Chuetong, and 3rd Anyarin Chuntan.
For ages 2.1-2.6 years boys, 1st was Narubodin Nantiwong, 2nd Trin Chaiwong, and 3rd Waranont Waiyingyut. In the girls category, 1st was Yosita Ngamlao, 2nd Mira Muangkrung, and 3rd Lalichat Thanapokinwaraphas.
In the 2.7-3 years boys category, 1st place went to Kawin Kulprasert, 2nd Thanapat Phalichai, and 3rd Rattanawat Promjaree. For girls aged 2.7-3 years, 1st was Naphatchanan Patmakulchai, 2nd Rachineekorn Dechphrom, and 3rd Kirana Kangwanmethawi. Full results are available on the Cycling Association of Thailand’s website at www.thaicycling.or.th.
The next event, the 4th round of the 2026 Thailand Balance Bike Championship for the Royal Cup, will be held on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at Korat Hall, 4th floor, Central Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima. Registrations are open online at www.thaicycling.or.th until Friday, 31 July at 17:00, and onsite at Korat Hall on Saturday, 1 August from 09:00 to 17:00. Registration is also available via QR code or the link https://www.thaicycling.or.th/event-onsite, open on 1 August from 09:00 to 17:00. Details are on the Thailand Cycling Association’s Facebook page or by calling 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.