On June 27 before the HNA French Open (European tournament) in which he participated to defend his 2016 title, Thongchai Jaidee was appointed ambassador of Thai golf.

  • Thongchai Jaidee - Photo: DR
It is at the Blue Elephant restaurant in the 11th arrondissement of Paris before the HNA Open de France (European tournament) in which he participated to defend his 2016 title that the Tourist Office of Thailand decided to announce for the market Francophone the appointment of Thongchai Jaidee, as ambassador of Thai golf.

"The partnership with Tongchai Jaidee as ambassador of the Thailand brand will allow the Tourist Office of Thailand to achieve its strategic objectives in order to develop the link between tourism and sport and thus increase the number of long stays duration of European and Middle Eastern tourists " explained in the preamble to the press conference Tanes Petsuwan, vice-governor international marketing of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas).

Currently number 1 in men's golf in Thailand and 84th in the world ranking, Thongchai Jaidee unfortunately could not repeat his feat of 2016 by winning the 101st HNA French Open at the Golf National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Arrived this year at a distant 62nd place (8) on the field of the Albatros which will host in 2018 the Ryder Cup events, he had to give his title to the British Tommy Fleetwood (-12) who thus integrates for the first time in his career the Top 15 of the world ranking.

Golf legend

A true golf legend in his country, Thongchai Jaidee (Pro Chang for his compatriots) started playing golf at the age of 16, incidentally finding on the course near his parents' home an abandoned iron 3 golf club, on which he had tied a piece of bamboo. For several months, he trained with this makeshift club before golf officials spotted him and provided him with appropriate equipment.

After several years spent in the army, it was only at 29 that his professional career really began. Always humble, hardworking and motivated, at the age of 47, he is the first Thai to have won the European Tour and to have participated in four major tournaments. He also recently won his 8th European title and made his President's Cup debut as one of the top 10 players in the world.

“It has been fifteen years since I created a foundation to develop young talents in Thailand. Golf is experiencing a considerable boom among young people in the country and the presence at the French Open of our rising star Phachara Khongwatmai (69th place in the final ranking editor's note) who is only 18 years old, is the most striking proof of this. " recalled Thongchai Jaidee.

Favorite golf destination

With more than 260 internationally renowned courses spread across the country, Thailand has become the favorite destination for golf in Asia and one of the most important for world tourism. Each year, the Land of Smiles hosts the most prestigious international tournaments which attract an increasing number of spectators and professional players (Honda LPGA Thailand, Thailand Golf Championship, etc.).

The legendary mildness of the tropical climate allows fans of the little white ball to play all year round, with a preference for the dry season between November and February. Each club offers quality services and a warm welcome. The female caddies are particularly well trained while the green fees remain accessible at extremely reasonable prices.

“Golf tourists are often high-income travelers, quality first. It is for these reasons that they will be attracted to Thailand, which offers a multitude of high-quality golf courses, with quality infrastructure and services, experienced caddies, as well as excellent complementary activities such as shopping and various spa treatments to relax after a golf course ». Tanes Petsuwan points out.

The icing on the cake, Thailand's golf destinations have been awarded several times by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). Among them, the city of Chiang Mai was named Golf Destination of the Year in 2017 for the Asia and Southern Asia region. Prior to that, Pattaya had been honored in the same category in 2012 while Hua Hin had received the award in 2014.

So many reasons why, golfers flock today from the four corners of the planet with their families and friends to enjoy the extraordinary Thai hospitality (Thaïness). A top-of-the-range tourist offer and a total change of scenery which are also based on culture, spirituality, gastronomy or well-being…

David Raynal

Learn more

Tourist Office of Thailand: www.tourismethaifr.com/Accueil/index.tpl
Find all the golf courses in Thailand: www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/thailand-golf-courses

Thailand in Paris:

BLUE ELEPHANT - PARIS
43-45 rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris, France
Tel: + 33 1 47 00 42 00
Fax: + 33 1 47 00 45 44
Email: paris@blueelephant.com
website: http://www.blueelephant.com/paris