Events
The 2020 Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon has been run and won, despite all the challenges

Signs of life, combined with a determined event organiser and keen participants. And so the Laguna Phuket Marathon was staged in Phuket this weekend, despite all the challenges. An 8,000 strong field turned out to Run Paradise in Phuket this weekend at the 15th Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon. Held on December 5 and 6, the ‘new normal’ edition combined stringent safety and hygiene measures with a scenic course which took Thai and expat runners past local villages and the beaches of Nai Yang, Layan and Bang Tao. (Photos and results below)
“Award-winning event shines a light on Phuket’s preparedness and provides a boost to local economy.”
Organisers shone a spotlight on Phuket’s preparedness to host large-scale events with Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon also providing a much needed boost to the island’s economy.
Impressive times were the order of the two days with two double-headers in the Male divisions and some top performances by Thai athletes. Polish Triathlete Krzysztof Hadas, winner of the recent Laguna Phuket Triathlon, took a comfortable win in the 5KM in what was to be a warm-up for his Half Marathon the following day. And after some close racing with Russian Sergei Zyrianov over the 21.0975KM distance, Hadas finished fast to make it two wins in two days, and his first Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon Half Marathon title.
In the 10.5KM yesterday, Lewis Chalk (GBR) got the better of Anuwat Bunmak (THA) after racing shoulder-to-shoulder, claiming the win in an impressive time of 00:35:22. Not enough, Chalk then lined up against some tough competition the following day for the Marathon and showing no signs of fatigue, he used his short-distance speed to break-away from the pack and cross the finish line first in a time of 02:55:48, almost five minutes ahead of the second place finisher.
Other notable performances at this year’s Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon include Sasiwimon Khongjit (THA), who took the Female Marathon title ahead of Maysinee Sukkuea (ZAF) and Wipawadee Titawattanavijit (THA). In the Half Marathon, the top two spots in the Female division went to Thai runners Suchada Wattanaves and Nopchaya Handittagul respectively, while Suttida Udomchai led a Thai 1-2-3 in the 10.5KM Female division the day before.
For runners of all ages and abilities, and from a diverse cross section of society, Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon has become bucket list must do event. Regulars at the event, and fans of Phuket, Thai superstar couple Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai and Ratchawin “Koi” Wongwiriya were running again this year and finished their first marathon together following their talk-of-the-town wedding just one week earlier.
For the 8,000 runners at this year’s event, it wasn’t all about times and trophies. Popular for it’s scenic course and two-day concept with 2KM, 5KM and 10.5KM at sunset and Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and Marathon at sunrise the following day, Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon’s unique formula has made it popular with families, amateurs and pros alike, and over its 15 years history it has become one of the leading destination marathons in South East Asia.
Overall Results
Top three in each distance are below. For detailed results, visit www.sportstats.asia.
Marathon – Male
1) Lewis Chalk (GBR), 02:55:48
2) Tharatorn Poomrungrueang (THA), 03:00:27
3) Worapoj Sukkaew (THA), 03:01:25
Marathon – Female
1) Sasiwimon Khongjit (THA), 03:41:54
2) Maysinee Sukkuea (ZAF), 03:57:23
3) Wipawadee Titawattanavijit (THA), 04:00:42
Marathon Relay
1) Team Subaru Phuket, 03:07:26
2) Team Nham Daeng Yam Yen, 03:13:22
3) Team Badass Bitches, 03:40:57
Half Marathon – Male
1) Krzysztof Hadas (POL), 01:09:41
2) Sergei Zyrianov (RUS), 01:10:14
3) Erik Bohm (NLD), 01:18:41
Half Marathon – Female
1) Suchada Wattanaves (THA), 01:37:58
2) Nopchaya Handittagul (THA), 01:42:03
3) Sabine Claudia Egger-Weickhardt (AUS), 01:42:27
10.5KM – Male
1) Lewis Chalk (GBR), 00:35:22
2) Anuwat Bunmak (THA), 00:36:17
3) Merrick Fairall (ZAF), 00:38:05
10.5KM – Female
1) Suttida Udomchai (THA), 00:43:44
2) Pimporn Udomdee (THA), 00:49:14
3) Wilai Aer-Loh (THA), 00:50:21
5KM – Male
1) Krzysztof Hadas (POL), 00:15:38
2) Eakkalak Chankaew (THA), 00:16:13
3) Arthitta Veerathamwatin (THA), 00:17:03
5KM – Female
1) Chiara Jessica Egger (AUS), 00:21:13
2) Siena Milgate (AUS), 00:23:13
3) Phichaya Phattharathanasut (THA), 00:23:21
2KM Kids Run – Male
1) Alangkran Khongrat (THA), 00:08:15
2) Nathee Gorton (THA), 00:08:22
3) Tanadul Panichyanont (THA), 00:08:38
2KM Kids Run – Female
1) Urassaya Suebhait (THA), 00:08:17
2) Valeriia Iakovleva (RUS), 00:08:45
3) Thea Primarolo (GBR), 00:09:45
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Northern Thailand
Son lights himself on fire after asking mom for lottery money

A woman’s 32 year old son, in northern Thailand’s Phrae Province, is in critical condition from lighting himself on fire after falsely believing that his mother had won the lottery and would not share her winnings with him.
Police at Denchai Police Station were alerted of a man who burned himself in Ban Mai Jua, Denchai District and notified a rescue team at Somdej Phra Yupparat Hospital. 60 year old Pen, the auntie of the man, who is only identified as Tossapon, says she was having breakfast when she heard an argument.
When she looked out the window, she saw Tossapon on fire and wrapped in a blanket. She says he ran to a water hose and put the fire out, but not before almost catching his house on fire. Officials arrived and found that several items in Tossapon’s bedroom had been on fire, along with pieces of the blanket scattered throughout the house. They also found burnt pants and a pillow.
At the hospital, officials met 64 year old Sila, the mother of Tossapon, waiting for her son in front of the Emergency Room. Sila told police her son is a “psychiatric patient” because he used to use meth, or “yabba” in Thai. She says his addiction left him with long-term damages and says her son often falsely believes his mother won the lottery, to which she tells him she lost the lottery ticket.
Sila says she tells him it is not true, but this time Tossapon asked for proof and continued questioning her the next day. The mother says she described her love for her son, which upset him, leading him to wrap himself in a blanket and set himself on fire.
“Son, 99% of the love that I have for you has been changed to hate, the remaining 1% is technically loved because of the word ‘son’.”
SOURCE: Thai Residents
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Thailand
Why Thailand celebrates the New Year not once, not twice, but 3 times

While the year just gone may be referred to as 2020 by most of us (with perhaps a few expletives thrown in, given the year it was), we are currently in the year 2563 in Thailand. As everyone who lives here knows, Thailand uses the Buddhist calendar, as well as the Western, or Gregorian, calendar, adding to our eternal confusion when wading through Thai documentation.
While the Gregorian calendar, also sometimes called the Christian calendar, is based around the birth of Jesus, the Buddhist one begins with the birth of Buddha, currently 2563 years ago. However, as can be seen below, the date in Thailand is usually written by combining the Gregorian date and month with the Buddhist year. The quickest way to work out what the year equates to in the Gregorian calendar, is to subtract 543 from the Thai year.
A lot of superstition governs the Buddhist calendar, with certain days having special meanings and considered more auspicious than others. Thais take these very seriously, particularly when choosing when to hold a wedding or funeral ceremony. Even when to buy a car or to propose marriage. The calendar is less frequently used by the younger generation, who tend to rely more on the Gregorian one.
Meanwhile, when it comes to celebrating the arrival of a new year, Thailand does so 3 times. The Buddhist New Year, the Chinese New Year, and the Western New Year, are all celebrated in some or all parts of the Kingdom.
The Buddhist New Year
This celebration is also known as Songkran, or Thai New Year, and is celebrated in April, when the weather is usually at its hottest. Traditionally, Buddhists celebrate Songkran by performing a ceremony in which they pour water over statues of Buddha, as well as on each other. This represents a period of cleansing, in which bad fortune and sins are washed away.
However, the original water ceremony has also evolved into large-scale water fights and street parties involving super-soakers and buckets of water (often, ice cold). It’s a bit of a mega-party that, in pre-Covid times, was a huge tourist draw. Although the water throwing only lasts a day in most places, it can continue for several days in some, even up to a week in places like Chiang Mai.
The Western New Year
In Thailand, despite the Buddhist New Year being marked in April, the official start of the year, particularly for international businesses, is still January 1. This is a public holiday and the evening before is the scene of glittering New Year’s Eve festivities, just like Western countries. While celebrations this year may have been somewhat muted due to the ever-present awareness of Covid-19, in more normal times, you can expect parties, live music, and fireworks a-plenty. By the way, Happy New Year!
The Chinese New Year
According to Wikipedia, up to 16% of Thailand’s population is considered ethnic Chinese, with the Kingdom having the largest overseas Chinese community in the world outside mainland China. This group also has their own calendar, with a noisy, firecracker-dominated celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year in late January or early February. The festivities culminate in the “lion dance”, involving 2 people in a large, colourful lion costume, performing dance moves.
There’s no doubt about it, the Thais love an excuse to party. And celebrating a new year, not once, not twice, but on 3 separate occasions, is one way to guarantee some fun. Let’s hope that the first of those celebrations, which took place last night, heralds the arrival of a more positive period for all!
SOURCE: Spirit of Thailand
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Events
WOW what a year! Thailand’s top news stories for 2020 as voted by YOU.

TOP 10 (non Covid) THAIGER STORIES FOR 2020
The Thaiger started 2020, as we all did, with high hopes and few clues that we were heading into a profound disruption for almost the entire year. Even as we were tapping away at the keyboards on January 1, 2020, there were stories emerging in Wuhan, China about a mysterious new respiratory disease that was starting to pop up at the provincial hospitals.
But, although Covid consumed much of our top stories in 2020, there were other stories of course as life continued to stumble along in Thailand. Here are the stories, from 1 – 10, and the number of people that read each story on thethaiger.com. We’ve also added the Top 10 Covid stories for the year as well, as voted by YOU, our readers.
Thai Army sniper goes on shooting rampage in Korat – up to 20 shot and killed – 124,342
February 8
“A police and army detachment is currently searching for an army sniper in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Korat city centre. The solider has shot dead at least 12 people late this afternoon. The city is in virtual lockdown as security officials are trying to clear the areas around the crime scene. The gunman was live-streaming the entire incident and taking selfies in front of the crime scene.
A police spokesman is advising the public to move away from the area, “stay indoor, and obey instructions from security officers”.
Thai PM announces Emergency Decree, comes into effect on March 26 – 72,587
March 25
Although Covid-related, it was also the most impactful story here in Thailand which would lead to the lockdowns, economic impact, border closures and, possibly, contributed to the protests as well. It was big news.
“Thai PM Prayuth Chan-o-cha told a news conference today that Thailand will be under emergency decree from this Thursday (March 26) until the end of April, 2020 to deal with the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak in the Kingdom.
The decree means the PM will have the executive power to declare further measures to contain the virus, including giving extra authority to officials and creating checkpoints to reduce people’s movements.”
Thailand loses US free trade benefits worth billions of baht – 66,267
April 26
“Thailand loses duty free access for 42.2 billion baht in exports to the US market from today, 6 months after Washington warned it would pull back on trade privileges unless the kingdom committed to labour rights reforms. Once trade preferences for Thai products are removed they are subject to tax of between 4% and 5%, making them more expensive in the lucrative US market.”
30 horses die in one day in Thailand’s Northeast – 58,853
March 27
“30 horses have mysteriously died in Thailand’s Northeast yesterday. The Thailand Equestrian Federation is urging horse fanciers not to transport any animals until a cause can be identified. It’s unlikely the situation has anything to do with the Covid-19 outbreak.
10 of the horses had sudden severe seizures before dying and the other 20 repeatedly bucked and jumped before collapsing, dead.”
Cambodia burns, Bangkok chokes, schools closed – 56,560
February 26
“Bangkok mums and dads will need to sort out what to do with the kids for the rest of the week after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration closed public schools from today because of the excessive air pollution. Most of the smoke and haze is blowing in from Cambodia with light easterly winds.
All schools under the supervision of the BMA will close until Friday. Air quality in the capital has worsened over the past two days with Bangkok recurring the world’s 5th worst air pollution yesterday (today it is 10th). The forecast today is for light winds and poor air circulation which will compound the accumulation of PM2.5 dust and smoke particles.”
Man comes face to face with 5-metre king cobra while in bed – 52,003
February 22
“A man in the southern province of Trang got a shock when he lay down for a nap and found he was being watched by a 5-metre king cobra staring at him from the ceiling. The man’s home is on a rubber farm, where cobras and other venomous snakes are often found. The local rescue team, who reportedly specialise in capturing king cobras, received notification of an extremely long one at the man’s home.”
Waitress has double lottery win – 50,489
March 19
“A waitress from Ban Sabah Village in Lampang rovince won 12 million baht in yesterday’s national lottery by pure luck, after she couldn’t a ticket with her license plate number. The woman says she initially knew the exact number that she wanted to buy, but as there were no tickets with the number, the vendor gave her two random tickets. She was shocked when she realised the big win, but insists she’ll continue living a normal lifestyle.”
Hungarian overstayer dies in Suvarnabhumi detention cell – 48,739
January 27
“A 60 year old Hungarian man has died in detention at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. Lazlo Balogh was awaiting deportation for overstaying his visa. Laszlo was handed over to the Suvarnabhumi airport police for repatriation on Saturday, January 25. He showed no unusual signs after being put in the detention cell and was sleeping normally on Saturday night, according to police.”
Thai man strikes it rich after finding whale vomit – 48,465
December 13
“A Thai man in Nakhon Si Thammarat is striking it rich after finding whale vomit on the local beach. Narit Suwansang thought his discovery was just a large rock, but had an inkling that it could be something more. US$4.2 million more, that is!”
Top 5 places to celebrate New Years Eve in Bangkok (2020) – 46,300
“It’s hard to imagine a more vibrant city anywhere in the world, with warm weather and an entire population ready to party, to celebrate your New Year on December 31. Bangkok will host New Years Eve parties on almost every corner but we’ve listed the Top 5 locations for you to see in 2020.”
TOP THAIGER VIDEOS FOR 2020
The most popular YouTube video produced by The Thaiger this year was a spontaneous “turn the camera on and film” look during a casual drive along Phuket’s west coast in October.
The second popular YouTube video produced by The Thaiger was a similar look at the seaside party town Pattaya. Again, it had been devastated by the lockdowns and travel restrictions, a situation that hasn’t improved leaving the city devoid of its usually high-season surge this year.
TOP 10 Covid THAIGER STORIES FOR 2020
In so many cases this year The Thaiger would publish a Covid story, and the Thai Government’s reactions to the situation, only to have the situation changed in coming days. Foreigners, eager to know what was going on and how the situation would affect them, were having to keep an open mind as the government prevaricated from one day to another. So, many of the stories, reported accurately at the time, were subject to changes and modification in the coming days. It was frustrating for The Thaiger and our readers.
Thailand Coronavirus (Covid-19) News Stories, Headlines and Breaking Articles – 278,000
This was our landing page where we collated, and still do, all the Covid-related content throughout the year, providing a valuable and accurate resource about this year’s major disruption. Hardly surprising that it was the most landed-0n page on thethaiger.com this year.
Number 1
Thailand’s international borders not re-opening for tourists until 2021 – TAT – 271,000
Thailand’s international borders not re-opening for tourists until 2021 – TAT
Number 2
Coronavirus – six new cases confirmed in Thailand – 159,000
Number 3
UPDATE: Confusion over Thailand designating 11 destinations as ‘high risk’– 155,000
UPDATE: Confusion over Thailand designating 11 destinations as ‘high risk’
Number 4
Thailand increasingly blaming caucasians for coronavirus crisis – 154,000
Thailand increasingly blaming caucasians for coronavirus crisis
Number 5
Chinese keep arriving in Thailand, UK man spreads virus to 11 others – 153,000
Coronavirus UPDATE: Chinese keep arriving in Thailand, UK man spreads virus to 11 others
Number 6
Thai health minister has a slash at ‘dirty farang’ – 150,000
Number 7
2,700+ infected, 80 dead, 8 cases in Thailand – 149,000
Coronavirus UPDATE: 2,700+ infected, 80 dead, 8 cases in Thailand
Number 8
July 1 will end all lockdowns in Thailand, including international travel – 145,000
July 1 will end all lockdowns in Thailand, including international travel
Number 9
Foreigners in Thailand worried about their security – 139,000
Number 10
South Korea issues travel advisory for Thailand – 37,000
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UPDATE: Confusion over Covid-19 tests for visa extensions
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)3 days ago
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Thailand’s tourism in the Covid 2021 era
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Issan John
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 1:49 pm
2:55 and 3:41 for the male and female winners respectively?
Sorry, no offence to the winners, but those aren’t “impressive times”.
gosport
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 2:44 pm
Yes, not impressive, showing more common runners participating. Maybe that is the point for sports, all in for health.
Issan John
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Agreed, gosport, the more the merrier.
Keith
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 2:03 pm
challenges were for locals who wanted to get to the beaches, all access roads closed and not just those through Laguna public roads too, That company doe not give a s**t about who it inconveniences as long as they make money
Toby Andrews
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Are these Phuckers really sincere about wanting tourists?
B3626 for foreigners registration, to B1750 for Thais, however they do let expats pay the same as Thais. Very big of them.
And they try to deceive the foreigners by quoting the foreigners rate in US dollars.
Similar to the Thai price being displayed in Thai script on attractions, so the foreigners do not know what the Thais pay.
Still at their same old swindling, racist, nasty tricks, while closing down because there are no tourists.
Starve, you stupid people, your family will not be able to pay for your funerals.
Issan John
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 4:56 pm
I hadn’t realise that, Toby – an absolute rip off since most of the costs (water, T-shirts, etc) can be covered by sponsors.
The London Marathon costs £20 (800 baht) for everyone, and that’s one of the more expensive in the UK. On the other hand, the NYC Marathon costs an unbelievable $295 (8,850 baht) for Septics and $358 (10,740 baht) for everyone else.