The Emerging Thailand!
Recent years showed a tremendous surge of chess activity in this country where people say SAWASDEE KA! with the broadest of smiles as a form of greeting. One would be simply amazed of the huge turnout of participants as you go around the country from one tournament to another. Indeed, Chess in Thailand is rapidly gaining popularity these days.
The famed annual Bangkok International Open is now on its 20th staging, thanks to Mr. Kai Tuorila the never tiring event organizer. Though this year's event will be moved at a later date due to the present COVID 19 dilemma, rest assured it will push through. Another annual Open, the Pattaya International Open will soon be having its third straight staging too.
Bangkok, the capital dotted with hundreds of International Schools some of which offers Chess as an "after school activity" is now becoming a breeding ground for serious chess playing youngsters.
There is an abundance of Chess centers in the metropolis. Jirapak Chess Academy, Big Rook Chess Academy, 101 Chess Academy, IWICA, Home Chess Academy, plus the newly opened ones Double Bishop Chess Academy and Red Knights Chess are a great contributing factor in shaping the future of the game in this country.
On top of that, one of the leaders of the governing Thailand Chess Association (TCA) Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich is presently a high ranking figure in the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Such voice in the global chess body may have been vital in boosting the game's popularity.
Thailand, apart from being ranked as one of the most visited countries by tourists around in the world, has been hosting a lot of international chess events over the last few years such as Asian Amateurs, Eastern Asia Youth, Asian Youth Championship, among others.
Well, all the signs could elicit hope and optimism. Of course the need to continuously strive in threading a correct way of planning as well as embarking on good programs is always a must. 
In my humble opinion, it is just a matter of time.
What the future holds for Thailand chess? Well, your guess is as good as mine!
NM Winston Joseph Silva
Bangkok, Thailand
