Thailand’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Suwat Liptapanlop, who also serves as the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and as the Chairman of the Thailand Open 2024 tennis tournament, has announced plans to host the event once again this year. The decision follows the remarkable success of previous tournaments, including the recent WTA 250 Thailand Open 2024 presented by EA, which offered a total prize of $267,082, or nearly 10 million Baht. The tournament was held at the Arena Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan from January 29 to February 4, 2024. The event organizers, Proud Group and Arena Hua Hin, have now confirmed that the Thailand Open will be held again this year, catering to the enthusiasm of tennis fans.
Suwat noted that following the conclusion of the Thailand Open in February, where 19-year-old Russian rising star Diana Shnaider claimed the singles title—elevating her ranking from world No. 108 to No. 18—there was a significant amount of interest from tennis fans who inquired about the possibility of another event. The public’s eagerness to witness the performances of emerging tennis talents once more mirrors the excitement seen in 2019 when 18-year-old Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska won the tournament and is now ranked 33rd in the world.
In response to this strong demand, Proud Group and Arena Hua Hin, the event organizers, reached out to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to apply for hosting rights for this year. It was reported that they have successfully secured approval to host another WTA 250 event at Arena Hua Hin. The qualifying rounds are scheduled for September 14-15, 2024, with the main draw to take place from September 16-22, 2024.
Suwat, the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, emphasized the ongoing appeal of WTA events, which have consistently drawn attention from both Thai and international audiences, filling the stands at Arena Hua Hin. Moreover, these events serve as an inspiration for Thai youth, encouraging them to pursue tennis and aspire to achieve success akin to that of world-class players. He added that Thai tennis players will participate in this year’s competition, and further details, including the list of participants and special aspects of the event, will be disclosed at a press conference scheduled for September 3, 2024, at the Benjaphat Room, Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station (Channel 5).