PUBLISHED : 1 Jan 2026 at 06:41
Springer Puripol Boonson. (Photo: nuthawat whiteanbut)
The Sports Reporters and Photographers Association of Thailand has announced its annual nicknames for prominent sporting figures in 2025, a long-standing tradition reflecting key moments, achievements, and controversies in Thai sport over the past year.
Among the 12 individuals and organisations honoured, several stood out for their impact on both the national and international sporting landscape.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, an International Olympic Committee member, was bestowed with the title “Global Sports Ambassador”, reflecting her prominent role in international sports governance. As president of the Badminton World Federation, which oversees more than 200 member nations, she spent much of the year travelling across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Africa to attend high-level meetings and strengthen cooperation between international sports federations and Thailand’s sporting bodies.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. (Photo supplied)
Widely respected for her ability to connect key decision-makers and resolve issues at both international and national levels, Khunying Patama has helped improve coordination and access for Thai sports organisations on the global stage. She has also contributed to the promotion of Thai culture, most visibly through her practice of greeting athletes with the traditional wai during medal ceremonies, a gesture since embraced by badminton players worldwide.
Rising athletics star Puripol “Bew” Boonson received the nickname “The 9-Second Sprint Deity” after becoming the first Southeast Asian sprinter to run the 100 metres in under 10 seconds. His landmark time of 9.94 seconds, combined with three gold medals at the latest SEA Games, marked a breakthrough for Thai track and field.
World No.1 golfer Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul was dubbed “The Irresistible Swing”, reflecting her dominance on the LPGA Tour. The 22-year-old continued to rewrite records, collecting multiple player-of-the-year awards and posting the lowest average score in LPGA history.
Ratchanok “May” Intanon, Thailand’s badminton great, was given the nickname “Fired-up, Ageless May” in recognition of her remarkable resurgence late in her career. At the age of 30, she captured her first-ever women’s singles gold medal at the SEA Games and closed her final appearance at the regional event with a total of two gold medals. The achievement highlighted not only her experience and resilience but also the competitive fire that continues to drive one of Thailand’s most enduring sporting icons.
Dr Gongsak Yodmani, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, was dubbed “The Crisis Finisher” for steering Thai sport through a turbulent year. As Thailand hosted the 33rd SEA Games, he faced mounting challenges ranging from budget constraints to venue management issues. Despite persistent scrutiny, the Games concluded with Thailand topping the gold medal table, reinforcing his reputation as a leader capable of delivering results under pressure.
The association said the nicknames were intended to capture both the triumphs and defining narratives of Thai sport in 2025, a year marked by historic achievements.
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