Thailand is currently the leading ice hockey nation in Southeast Asia. The Ice Hockey Association of Thailand organizes annual national championships across youth and senior divisions, while Thai national teams compete regularly in International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships. Under the leadership of Kritsada Kasemsant, the association has also invested heavily in sports science, helping develop stronger and more physically prepared athletes.
Although Thailand can compete with European teams, players often struggle against more physical opponents. Wanchana Kasemsan Na Ayudhya said Thailand is on the right path with sports science, but physical development alone is not enough to succeed internationally.
Wanchana explained that body contact is a fundamental part of ice hockey. In many countries, players begin full-contact competition at age 16, allowing them to learn proper checking techniques and adapt to the physical demands of the game before reaching the national team.
He added that Thai players learn tactics and technical skills quickly but still lack full-contact experience. Understanding parents' concerns about injuries, he suggested introducing full-contact competition from around age 18 through the Thailand National Championships, emphasizing that body checking is a regulated part of the sport—not an attempt to injure opponents.
He concluded that exposing players to full-contact hockey from age 18 will better prepare them for international competition. With nearly half of Thailand's senior national team made up of U18 and U20 players, developing these skills is essential if Thailand hopes to reach Division II in the IIHF World Championship.
