Created and managed by the Sport Association of Phuket, the Phuket Games 2026 started on May 7 and saw a range of multi-sport competitions staged at various venues across the island which were open to participants of all ages and abilities.
The event featured competitions in 12 sports and recreational activities, including athletics, football, badminton, petanque, ballroom dancing, woodball, sepak takraw, golf, Thai chess, teqball, gateball (a fast-paced, non-contact and highly strategic team mallet sport)... and a karaoke contest!
The opening ceremony was held at 6pm on May 10 at Spahn Hin Stadium, overseen by Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, President of the Sport Association of Phuket and Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Committee Member.
Joining Mr Thammawat was: Suphatchai Phetkhong, a member of the Sport Association of Phuket’s executive committee; Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO); Somchai Semmanee, Director of the Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office; Prasit Sinsawapak, Deputy Mayor of Phuket Municipality; in addition to selected heads of government departments, associated agencies, representatives from various public and private sector organisations, participating athletes, and members of the general public.
The event was organised by the Sport Association of Phuket in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office and the PPAO with the goal of encouraging residents of all ages to exercise in order to develop stroNger physical and mental health while using their free time productively.
Furthermore, the event served as an opportunity to select senior athletes in certain sporting disciplines to represent Phuket province at the 18th Thailand Senior Sports and Recreation Games, otherwise known as the “Nora Games”.
This national competition will run bteween May 27-30 in Phatthalung province and include the following sports: athletics, badminton, petanque, ballroom dancing, woodball, Thai chess, sepak takraw, golf, gateball, and a karaoke contest.