Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul is a prominent figure in Thailand and internationally renowned for her contributions to sports and culture. She has held several significant positions, including being a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
She is also known for her leadership roles within the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) and for her involvement with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Her contributions have been pivotal in promoting sports, particularly badminton, on both a national and international level. Additionally, Khunying Patama is recognized for her philanthropic activities and efforts to foster cultural and educational advancements.
Khunying Patama has played a significant role in the development and international success of Thai badminton. Under her watch, Thai badminton has achieved the height it has never seen before.
Thailand has seen Ratchanok Intanon make a fierce comeback to defeat the defending champ Sun Yu of China in the Singapore Open final in 2016. She seized world’s No. 1 ranking in women’s singles.
Supanida Katethong won her first world tour at YONEX US Open in 2023 and won the gold medal in the women’s singles at the 2023 SEA Games.
Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Bass and Popor), both known as Thailand’s best mixed doubles, claim numerous titles along their journey.
Not to mention other young and talented stars such as Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai, the Aimsaard sisters (Nuntakarn and Benyapa) who are also making their names known in world’s stage.
Thailand is also witnessing a rise of a new star in Kunlavut Vitidsarn (View) who won the gold medal at the 2023 World Championships, and a silver medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games for his latest achievement.
Khunying Patama became the President of the Badminton Association of Thailand in 2013. Her leadership has since been instrumental in transforming and elevating Thai badminton on both the national and international stages. Through her efforts, the sport has seen significant growth in terms of infrastructure, talent development, and international recognition.
Here are some of her key roles on how she has revolutionized the sport in Thailand:
1. Leadership and Vision: As the President of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT), she has brought strategic vision and effective leadership to the organization, focusing on long-term development and international competitiveness.
2. Infrastructure Development: Under her leadership, there has been increased investment in badminton facilities and training centers across Thailand. This has provided athletes with better resources and environments to train and excel.
3. Talent Identification and Development: She has prioritized identifying young talent and providing them with opportunities to train with the best coaches. This includes creating extensive junior programs and development pathways that nurture young players from the grassroots level.
4. Coaching and Mentorship: Khunying Patama has facilitated the engagement of top-tier coaches from around the world to train Thai players, ensuring they receive world-class mentoring. This has raised the technical and tactical quality of Thai badminton players.
5. International Exposure: She has worked tirelessly to give Thai players more international exposure by sending them to compete in global tournaments. This not only increases their experience but also improves their world rankings. By participating in international competitions, Thai badminton players gain critical experience that helps them perform better under pressure. It also enhances their ranking, which can lead to better seeding in tournaments and more opportunities for sponsorships.
6. Hosting Major Tournaments: Khunying Patama has been instrumental in bringing high-profile badminton events to Thailand. Hosting international tournaments such as the Thailand Open and various BWF events has boosted the sport’s profile within the country and inspired the younger generation.
7. Promoting Gender Equality: She has been an advocate for gender equality in sports, working to ensure that female badminton players receive the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts. This has had a significant impact on the development and success of female athletes in badminton.
8. Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Khunying Patama has been effective in garnering support and sponsorships from both the public and private sectors. This funding helps sustain and grow badminton programs, invest in facilities, and provide financial support to athletes.
9. Community Engagement and Promotion: She has initiated and supported programs that promote badminton at the grassroots level, engaging with schools and community centers to increase participation in the sport. By making badminton accessible and popular, she has helped cultivate a robust sporting culture in Thailand.
10. Philanthropy and Education: Beyond her administrative roles, she has been involved in philanthropic activities, providing scholarships and educational opportunities to young athletes. This holistic approach ensures that players have a well-rounded development, balancing academics and sports.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Khunying Patama has not only elevated the standard of badminton in Thailand but also ensured that it has a sustainable and promising future. Her dedication and strategic initiatives have laid a strong foundation for the country’s continued success in the sport.
Khunying Patama is also actively involved in supporting and promoting various sports in Thailand beyond badminton. Her contributions to the sports community are broad and multifaceted, reflecting her commitment to the development of sports as a whole in the country.
The most memorable act of Khunying Patama was in 2022 when she initiated a talk with Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, the president of FIFA, for the rights to broadcast World Cup 2022 live in Thailand.
The Badminton Association of Thailand achieved a significant milestone on August 17th as they conducted a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new badminton training and competition facility at the Sports Authority of Thailand’s Health Park on Ramkhamhaeng Road, Hua Mark. The ceremony, combining religious traditions led by Somdet Phra Maharatchamangalacharn and secular proceedings overseen by Khunying Patama, signals a new era for the association.
Khunying Patama disclosed plans for the construction of a modern multipurpose building to replace the current venue at Lumpini Park, necessitated by its return to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The upcoming five-story building will house facilities such as coach and athlete accommodations, offices, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and ten badminton courts adhering to international standards.
Moreover, the facility will be equipped with modern amenities including sports science rooms, weight training areas, muscle relaxation spaces, injury treatment facilities, post-training recovery amenities like hot and cold water baths, a dining hall, and recreational areas for athletes’ well-being.
With an estimated construction cost of 220 million baht, excluding decoration expenses, the association will fund half of the amount while Khunying Patama personally contributes the remaining, ensuring operational budgets and athlete participation in competitions remain unaffected. Additional funding will be procured through donations, with the completion of the new facility slated for 2025.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul’s unwavering dedication and strategic vision have profoundly transformed the landscape of Thai sports, particularly badminton. Her leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy for youth and gender equality have not only elevated athletic standards but have also inspired a generation of athletes across various disciplines.
Through her contributions, she has left an indelible mark on the sporting community, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Thai sports. Her legacy as a champion for athletic excellence and development continues to resonate, making her a pivotal figure in both national and international sports arenas.
