Engaging in Sports in Thailand – Badminton and Table Tennis

Welcome to our guide on Engaging in Sports in Thailand – Badminton and Table Tennis! In this post, we delve into the world of badminton and table tennis, two popular sports in the country. Socializing with Thai people can sometimes be challenging due to language barriers, but sports provide a fantastic opportunity to connect. Let’s explore the exhilarating experiences and unique aspects of badminton and table tennis in Thailand.

Engaging in Sports in Thailand – Badminton: A Thrilling Team Sport

Badminton, known for its intensity and strategic gameplay, offers an excellent avenue for socializing. Unlike my childhood memories of casual backyard matches, playing badminton in Thailand introduced me to a whole new level of excitement.

In Thailand, badminton is commonly played in teams of two, making it a team sport. Occasionally, you may come across one-on-one matches, typically in cases where there are no other players available or during tournaments. This game requires both strategy and physical fitness. As a team, you and your partner must coordinate movements across the court to avoid interfering with each other and cover as much ground as possible. Fitness plays a significant role as you’ll find yourself running from one side to another, occasionally delivering powerful shots to force your opponents to move.

To enjoy badminton, you’ll need a specialized racket and a shuttlecock. The shuttlecock can be either made entirely of plastic or feature feathers. Personally, I prefer the plastic ones due to their flight characteristics and durability. However, the choice is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

Rackets for Badminton: Exploring Yonex and More

Yonex is the most popular brand for badminton rackets, with nearly 99% of players opting for their products. These rackets come in various price ranges, starting from below 1000 Baht and extending beyond 5000 Baht per racket. I purchased mine from the Supersports sports shop at CentralFestival for around 1200 Baht after a 30% discount. This particular racket falls into the low-to-mid price range and captivated me with its lightweight design and professional appearance. Since I wanted a racket that would last beyond a single game, without breaking the bank, this was the ideal choice. Alternatively, you can find rackets at Tesco Lotus for around 400 Baht.

Supersports only sells racket frames without strings. You’ll need to purchase strings separately, which you can conveniently do at the same shop. They will string the racket for you, a process that takes approximately two hours. Utilize this time to enjoy a meal, catch a movie, or indulge in some shopping at CentralFestival. Strings offer a variety of parameters, and if you’re unsure which one suits your racket best, seek assistance from the shop assistant.

Additionally, you’ll receive a free bag to carry your racket. It’s advisable to add tape to the racket’s handle for improved grip. You can have this done at the Supersports shop or ask the court where you play badminton, usually for a small fee of around 80 Baht.

Playing badminton with Thai friends provides an excellent opportunity to learn numbers from 0 to 21 in Thai, as well as key words like “game,” “win,” “lose,” and “ready.”

Engaging in Sports in Thailand – Table Tennis: Mastering the Popular Ping Pong

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, holds immense popularity in Thailand. Many offices, including mine, have tables available for employees to enjoy this fast-paced sport. Thai players exhibit impressive skills, often showcasing incredible tricks that can be found on YouTube.

Although different racket options exist, I’m unsure about the specific variations and how they impact the game, aside from the racket’s weight.

Table tennis can be more challenging compared to badminton due to the rapid pace at which shots occur. The ball moves swiftly, and the racket must be positioned at odd angles, making it difficult to anticipate the ball’s trajectory.

If you plan to enjoy table tennis in Thailand without constant frustration, consider taking lessons before your trip to enhance your skills.

Conclusion

Embracing sports such as badminton and table tennis in Thailand is an excellent way to break down language barriers and connect with locals. I also have a separate post about connect with locals in Chiang Mai with the help of Facebook and Meetup groups. Engage in these thrilling activities, enjoy the social aspect, and explore the unique cultural experiences they offer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, sports provide an exciting and immersive way to socialize and have fun while in Thailand.