Thailand scores gold at Pencak Silat world titles in Phuket

PHUKET: Thailand has won three gold medals at the 16th Pencak Silat World Championships being contested at the Saphan Hin Indoor Sports Center in Phuket Town, with more up for grabs today.

Pornthep Poonkaew won gold for Thailand in the men’s 60-65kg division and Napaporn Boonchuen won her gold medal in the women’s 45-50kg class.

This morning, Surasak Dekli defeated Tri Juanda Samsul Bahar from Indonesia to win the latest gold medal for the Kingdom in the men’s 80-85kg division.

“Two more Thai contestants will fight against fighters from Indonesia and Malaysia today,” Nakrob Thongdaeng, deputy secretary general Pencak Silat Association of Thailand (PSAT) told the Phuket Gazette.

“Nantachai Kansakorn of Thailand will fight Aprin Ardianto from Indonesia in the final for the men’s 50-55kg weight division, and Thai fighter Suparat Keukaew will take on Siti Rahmah Binti Mohamed Nasir from Malaysia in the women’s 65-70kg class final.”

Nantachai and Suparat’s fights will be the final matches of the tournament, before the closing ceremony at about 2:30pm, Mr Nakrob explained.

“I would like to invite one to watch the final fights so you can experience the fun and art of Pencak Silat – and to rally your support for our Thai athletes to win,” he added.

— Chutharat Plerin