The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Table Tennis Association of Thailand (TTAT), has developed a standard table tennis court at the Benchakitti Sports Center, Bangkok. This pioneering project, one of the initiatives to commemorate SET's 50th anniversary, is the result of a visionary collaboration outlined in the MOU titled "National Table Tennis Sports Center, Bangkok City Project. The development of this facility aims to promote sports and healthy living, increase the availability of exercise venues, and provide facilities for athletes, youth, and the general public regardless of gender and age, to enjoy table tennis. The court is now open to the public.
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Sanon Wangsrangboon said that in line with its commitment to enhance sport facilities, the BMA has continuously refined and developed sports fields across the Thai capital, covering physical infrastructure, management, event organization, and the promotion of cooperation across sectors. The goal is to ensure these facilities meet the standard for playing sports, exercising, and recreation while catering to the diverse needs of the community," aligning with the BMA's commitment to creating "Sports Arenas for Everyone." The partnership with SET and TTAT to enhance the table tennis facilities at the Benchakitti Sports Center is a prime example of area development in Bangkok for the benefits of the public, particularly by leveraging sports and recreation to promote health and quality of life for the city's residents. He also highlighted the significance of Benchakitti Park, a vast green space in the heart of Bangkok, as a key location for such initiative.
SET Senior Executive Vice President Rongrak Phanapavudhikul said that the collaboration between SET, BMA, and TTAT to facilitate standard table tennis courts is part of the activities to mark SET's 50th year anniversary. The initiative also fosters the growth of young table tennis players and promotes table tennis as a sport for all ages and genders.
SET has been supporting the Table Tennis Association of Thailand for 11 years through the "SET Star Table Tennis" project, which focuses on developing the table tennis community and youth table tennis athletes. This initiative has brought fame to Thailand through success in regional and international table tennis competitions, supporting the government's goal of promoting the Thai sports industry as a soft power asset for the country.
TTAT President Nattavuth Ruengves highlighted the positive impact of the sport on youth development, stating that Table tennis is suitable for all genders and ages, particularly children and youth as it enhances their physical movement and muscle skills, promotes strategic thinking, and fosters important values such as sportsmanship, integrity, and self-discipline. The association aims to popularize this sport and is confident that with the cooperation of all parties, it will be able to produce world-class table tennis athletes who can serve as good role models for Thai youth. Furthermore, the association is preparing to organize the SET Star Table Tennis Cup 2024, scheduled on May 18-19, 2024, to inaugurate the opening of the table tennis court at the Benchakitti Sports Center. The tournament will be opened for children and youth aged 11-19 years. The event has already attracted more than 400 participants, with an additional family category added to promote family bonding through exercise.
The table tennis court at the Benchakitti Sports Center is a standard table tennis court which is equipped with 30 table tennis tables and facilities. The court is open daily for public from 5:00 hrs. to 21:00 hrs. and reservation can be made online at กีฬากรุงเทพ.com website or directly at the court.
