Sport
Ayutthaya Hosts PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2026 Taekwondo Tournament
Over 300 athletes are competing in the PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2026 in Ayutthaya, an event designed to identify future national team talent.
On August 22, 2026, officials from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Ayutthaya City Park, and the Taekwondo Association of Thailand officially opened the 'PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2026.' The tournament, held at the Ayutthaya City Park shopping center, runs from August 21 to 23 and features more than 300 participants.
According to Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the SAT, the event serves as a strategic platform to scout athletes for the Thai national team. By allowing high-ranking competitors to earn points and showcase their skills, the organizers aim to create a pipeline for international competition. The SAT highlighted that the choice of Ayutthaya as a host city is intentional, citing its accessibility and the presence of local tourist attractions, which are expected to stimulate the economy in the central region.
For travelers and residents, this event underscores the growing role of regional sports tourism in Thailand. While the tournament focuses on athletic development, the influx of participants and spectators provides a boost to local businesses. The SAT has indicated that this tournament model may serve as a blueprint for other combat sports in the future. As of now, the long-term impact on national team selection remains to be confirmed as the competition concludes.