Bangkok: ‘Popor’ Sapsiree Taerattanachai, a prominent figure in Thai badminton, has concluded her remarkable 19-year association with SCG, setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Meanwhile, ‘View’ Kunlavut Vitidsarn gears up to defend her world championship title and aims to shine in the World Tour Finals this year.
According to Thai News Agency, Sapsiree, once the world’s No. 1 in mixed doubles, addressed the media ahead of the ‘Toyota Thailand Open 2025’ badminton event, announcing her departure from SCG Badminton Academy after nearly two decades. Her contract with the club ended in March, yet she remains optimistic about her physical and mental readiness to embrace new challenges. She expressed gratitude to Khunying Pathama Leeswadtrakul, President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, for her unwavering support, particularly in finding her a new partner, ‘Noel’ Phuwanat Hobanluekit, with whom she has been training for a month.
Despite recent rumors, Sapsiree reaffirmed her commitment to tr
aining and competing, aiming to break back into the world’s top 20. Her immediate focus is on the upcoming Yonex Taipei Open in Taiwan, followed by tournaments in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
In parallel, ‘View’ Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who clinched a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed his readiness for the forthcoming 2025 competitions. With no injury concerns, Vitidsarn is determined to perform at his best in the Thailand Open, with aspirations to defend his world championship title and qualify for the World Tour Finals. His ultimate ambition remains to win the prestigious Olympic Games, World Championship, and All England titles.
Additionally, Vitidsarn, a fervent supporter of Liverpool FC, humorously remarked on his hopes for the team to win their 20th league championship, matching rivals Manchester United.
The Toyota Thailand Open 2025, a prestigious event offering more than 16 million baht in prize money, will take place from May 13-18 at the Nimibutr Building, National Stadium. The
tournament, part of the BWF World Tour Super 500, promises to showcase top-tier talent, including Thai stars “View” Kunlavut Vitidsarn and “May” Ratchanok Intanon, alongside international contenders like Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, Indonesia’s Jonathan Christie, and China’s Chen Yufei.