In 2025, women's tennis in Thailand is undergoing transformation. After the end of the PTT Pattaya Open era (1991–2015), the country’s only WTA tournament, Thailand has focused on growing grassroots sports, developing juniors, and building infrastructure.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT), there are now over 1,200 public tennis courts nationwide, with 85% featuring artificial surfaces and lighting. More than 120 national and regional tournaments are held annually.
What Happened to the Pattaya Tournament?
The PTT Pattaya Open, a WTA International event with a prize pool up to $220,000, was held in Pattaya from 1991 to 2015. The last champion was Karolína Plíšková. The tournament ended due to:
- Lack of commercial sponsors;
- High competition from other Asian tournaments (China, Japan);
- Changes in WTA structure.
The 2011 final between Maria Kirilenko and Daniela Hantuchová was indeed one of the most exciting — but it belongs to history, not today.
Where Is Tennis Played Today?
Main centers:
- Bangkok: National Tennis Development Centre, Rama Gardens Hotel;
- Pattaya: Dusit Thani Tennis Academy, Royal Cliff Hotels;
- Chiang Mai: Chiangmai Gymkhana Club — one of the oldest courts in the country;
- Hua Hin: historic court near the royal palace, where King Bhumibol played.
Supporting Young Talent
LTAT runs the "Tennis for All" program:
- Free lessons: for children from low-income families;
- Academies: partnerships with IMG, ITF, Nick Bollettieri Academy;
- International training: sending Thai players to train in the USA, France, Spain;
- Women’s tennis: 43% of participants are girls and women.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Possible return of an ATP Challenger or ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour event to Hua Hin or Bangkok;
- Development of university tennis at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat;
- Construction of Thailand’s first indoor climate-controlled tennis center in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC);
- Global recognition of Thailand as a hub for tennis tourism and training.
"We no longer wait for stars from abroad. We grow them here," said LTAT President Pongsak Wongsvan. "The future of Thai tennis lies in children, courts, and patience."
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