The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officially reinforced its commitment to urban inclusivity this week by hosting the Thailand Pickleball Championship for People with Disabilities at the Benchakitti Sports Center. On May 3, 2026, Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, presided over the opening ceremony, joined by prominent sports figures including Mrs. Thaya Teepsuwan, President of the Pickleball Sports Association, and Ms. Busarin Korphaisan, President of the Thai Para Pickleball Club. The event served as a high-profile showcase for the BMA’s “Sports Facilities Must Be Accessible to All” policy, highlighting the Benchakitti facility as a successful pilot project for expanding the sport across the capital. Since its opening two years ago, the court has become the first under direct BMA management to gain widespread popularity, and this championship marks a milestone in ensuring that such public spaces are not reserved solely for the public but are fully equipped for athletes with disabilities.

The 2026 Thailand Pickleball Championship, organized by the Pickleball Sports Association, was designed to elevate the national standard of the sport while bridging the gap between able-bodied and para-athletes. The tournament followed a multi-venue format, with able-bodied categories competing at Pickleball Warehouse in Rangsit during the first two days of May, followed by the disability-inclusive rounds at the Benchakitti Sports Center in Khlong Toei District. Deputy Governor Sanon emphasized that creating accessible sports infrastructure is a foundational requirement for transforming Bangkok into a truly inclusive city. By supporting events that accommodate diverse physical abilities, the BMA aims to foster a continuous culture of sportsmanship where accessibility is a right rather than an afterthought, ensuring that Bangkok’s growing passion for pickleball remains open to every citizen, regardless of their physical condition.

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