The national team of Thailand wrote a new chapter in the country’s sporting history by competing for the first time in an official curling tournament at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. In a nation with no tradition in ice sports, the vision of Suwanna Silpa-Archa, President of the Thai Curling Association, turned an unlikely dream into reality in just three months.

What began as a simple idea quickly became a family project. Silpa-Archa turned to her closest circle to form men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams. Her sister Kanya Natchanarong took on the role of skip of the women’s team, while Olympic taekwondo bronze medallist Chanatip Sonkham, from London 2012, teamed up with Teekawin Jearateerawit in the mixed doubles competition.

From YouTube to the ice: three months to learn how to compete

With only a few weeks to prepare and no coach available, the Thai players taught themselves the basics of curling through online tutorials. They trained mainly on hockey ice in Bangkok and managed only ten days of real curling practice on ice in Korea before their debut. “We only knew a little about the rules and etiquette. We broke every rule possible, but everyone was so kind to us,” Jearateerawit recalled with a laugh.

Throughout their journey in Harbin, the Thai team experienced remarkable sportsmanship and support. Opponents corrected their mistakes during games and encouraged them through advice and friendly gestures. “If this had been another sport, maybe we would have given up. But in curling, everyone is so understanding,” added the player.

Division B Pan Continental Curling Championships 2025, Evelth, Minnesota, United States of America

Tears, points and embraces in Harbin

The debut of the women’s team produced one of the most emotional moments of the tournament. Facing powerhouse China, Kanya Natchanarong scored a single point after six ends — a small but historic moment. “When we scored that point, I cried. The Chinese players asked why I was smiling so much, but they were tears of joy,” said the skip.

In the mixed doubles, Sonkham and Jearateerawit claimed two uplifting victories — defeating Kuwait (12-3) and Mongolia (10-5). Although they later fell to Japan, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, their performance won admiration from fans and rivals alike. “They asked us how long we had been a team, and when we said three months, they congratulated us. That meant a lot,” Jearateerawit explained.

From debut to development: building Thai curling

After their international debut, the Thai Curling Association took the next step in its development by hiring Korean coach Jimmy Lee Je-Ho, a former national team coach for his country. The athletes now train with daily on-ice sessions followed by gym work, focusing on strategy and technique. “We’re improving every day,” said Natchanarong.

The next challenge for Thailand will be the Pan Continental Curling Championships, held in Eveleth, Minnesota (United States). Jearateerawit, who will skip the men’s team, summed up their journey with a simple metaphor: “We’re like a baby learning to walk. Every game is another step, and this journey will stay with us for life.”