Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh Runs for Third Term as TRU President – Outlines Goals for Thai Rugby

Thai Rugby Union President, Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh, has resigned from his position with protocol to run for a third term as the TRU’s President – he is also the first president of the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF). He has outlined some of his goals if he were to be re-elected as the Thai Rugby Union President.

The following is based on online translations from the TRU and Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh posted on the TRU social pages in March 2026.

The current TRU President said of the upcoming elections, “In less than two months, we’re not just choosing the President of the Association, but we’re choosing the future of Thai rugby.” The elections are due to be held on April 7, 2026.

He has helped the TRU establish a strong 7s national Women’s side, which is among the top four in Asia, competed on the SVNS Challenger (now called SVNS Division 2) Series, and they have consistently won the SEA 7s gold medal, and in 2025, in Bangkok, the men also won gold too.

Their Men’s XV team has also competed in the first two editions of the Unions Cup, with Thailand due to host the third edition in 2026.

In terms of leadership, Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh was also elected as the first President of the SEARF, as the regional collection of unions looks to hold more meaningful competitions and grow the game.

Photo Credit – TRU – Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh (centre)

Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh Plans for TRU Future

Among his goals if selected for a third term, he has said he wants:

• To bring the HSBC SVNS World Series to Thailand – He said there are discussions with commercial partners such as Thai Beverage and PTT  to jointly bring this goal to fruition. (As far as we know, all the current venues have hosting rights until at least 2027)
• Promote semi-professional rugby – To create opportunities for Thai rugby players to earn a real income and prize money from playing rugby, a policy he announced during his second term, but was unable to implement. Our understanding is that the Thai Women’s 7s players are in a semi-pro model already. The TRU provides salary support to athletes during periods without competitions, allowing them to continuously train and develop their potential.

Photo Credit – Rugby Photo Thailand

• Developing coaches in the provinces – The plan is to upgrade the skills of coaches in the provinces and undergo more World Rugby-level coaching courses. Provincial coaches could then be promoted to join the national setup
• Develop the Women’s 15s team – This is pleasantly surprising as the topic of Thailand and Women’s 15 was discussed at the new SEA Women’s XVs Championship 2026. The 2nd edition is due to be hosted by the Philippines in 2027. He said, “There are plans to create a Thai national 15-a-side women’s rugby team to participate in international competitions.” He wants the TRU to help develop a concept to provide budget support to schools and universities that wish to send 15s teams to participate in competitions.

Other ideas mooted are to help promote Thailand as the ASEAN Rugby Hub and centre for rugby development in the region, the promotion of “Beach Rugby” events and to push the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) to officially recognise beach rugby so that it can host both domestic and international competitions.

Photo Credit – Mr Wu – Thai Men’s XVs Unions Cup 2025

Developing Rugby Infrastructure in Thailand

Broadly, he added that the TRU believes that the sustainable development of rugby is essential and necessary to build “popularity” for the sport, intentionally using the men’s and women’s national rugby sevens teams as key forces in promoting rugby in Thailand.

Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh said part of the plans are to develop new TRU offices and a dedicated rugby field.

Of his mandate and passion for the game, he added, “One thing that makes me happy is being involved with sports, especially rugby. Even though it’s very tiring, I’m happy to develop the sport I’ve loved since childhood. And to meet sincere friends and brothers who are helping to build the rugby community.”

We have not seen news of any other candidates for the TRU Presidential role as of yet.

Asian Rugby News

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• Thailand Strikes Gold Twice in Rugby 7s at SEA Games 2025
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