"Sergeant Major Muek" is advancing the development of Thai cycling referees by updating new UCI rules to pave the way toward international standards. Meanwhile, "Saroch" has been elected as the new club chairman for a four-year term.
"Sergeant Major Muek," General Decha Hemkrasri, opened the first 2027 annual seminar for cycling referees with 37 participants, aiming to enhance knowledge and update new rules from the International Cycling Union (UCI) in preparation for the upcoming competition season. The focus is on developing personnel at all levels and supporting capable Thai referees to reach international levels, thereby elevating the standard of Thai cycling refereeing to gain global recognition. In the club chairman election, Saroch Kanjananon received the highest votes and became the new chairman with a four-year term.
"Sergeant Major Muek," General Decha Hemkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, chaired the opening of the first 2027 annual seminar for cycling referees. A total of 37 cycling referees attended to develop their knowledge, skills, and standards to perform duties accurately and fairly, and to learn about changes in the competition rules of the International Cycling Union (UCI). This aligns with the personnel development strategic plan of the Cycling Association of Thailand. The event also included the election of a new referees club chairman at the Outlet Building, Kamol Sports Park (FBT), Nong Chok District, Bangkok, on 22 Oct 2026 GMT+7.
After the seminar opening, General Decha said that according to the association’s strategic plan, personnel development includes training coaches, referees, and bike mechanics to enhance knowledge. Each year, referees attend seminars to learn new rules because the UCI updates regulations annually before the new competition season begins, ensuring referees perform their duties optimally. This is the association’s goal to develop personnel comprehensively, consistent with the strategic plan of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). The opportunity was also used to elect a new referees chairman.
General Decha explained that cycling has many disciplines including mountain biking, road, BMX, and track, each with various events. For example, mountain biking includes cross-country, downhill, eliminator, and mixed relay; road cycling includes road races and time trials; track has numerous events. Cycling referees must undergo basic training and then serve as trainee referees, taking exams to advance to level 3, level 2, and level 1 referees. UCI instructors provide knowledge and conduct promotion exams. The association fully supports referees capable of advancing to International Commissaire level.
General Decha added that after electing the new chairman of the cycling referees club, the association will appoint vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, ethics, academic, and registrar officers, mirroring UCI’s structure. This will be reported to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) to officially recognize the new chairman. When appointing referees for national games, youth games, university sports, or private competitions, the chairman and committee will select suitable referees to minimize errors or protests.
"Thai cycling referees who have reached the international level, or International Commissaire, include Mr. Natthapong Lohitnavi, an international referee for track and road cycling, and Mr. Khattiya Thanachayakul, an international BMX referee who recently officiated at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. Additionally, there are over 10 Elite National Commissaires (ENC) across road, mountain bike, BMX, and track disciplines. Recently, Ms. Nawaporn Sukprayoon, a senior national referee, officiated at an international mountain biking competition in Japan. The Cycling Association aims to promote more Thai referees to reach international levels to enhance Thai refereeing standards," General Decha said.
The election for the chairman of the cycling referees club featured five candidates: Mr. Apinan Prasertsang (No.1), Colonel Seksit Huabchareon (No.2), Mr. Sanet Laosakchai (No.3), Mr. Saroch Kanjananon (No.4), and Mr. Khattiya Thanachayakul (No.5). Among 33 eligible voting referees, Saroch Kanjananon received the highest vote count of 11 and was appointed the new chairman with a four-year term from 22 Oct 2026 to 21 Oct 2030.
Following his election, Mr. Saroch, the new chairman, appointed a new seven-member executive committee consisting of Mr. Saroch Kanjananon as chairman; Mr. Sanet Laosakchai as first vice chairman in charge of special activities; Colonel Seksit Huabchareon as second vice chairman overseeing ethics and discipline; Mr. Apinan Prasertsang as third vice chairman for academics; Mr. Khattiya Thanachayakul as club secretary; Ms. Sirilak Warapiang as treasurer and registrar; and Mr. Pradit Khositnuthas as protocol officer. Mr. Saroch will report these appointments to General Decha Hemkrasri, president of the Cycling Association, and also notify the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).