M.L. Krisada Kasemsan, President of the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand, and Professor Dr. Vilit Purivatcharasakul, President of Chulalongkorn University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the development of Thai national ice hockey athletes through sports science, as well as to support their academic pathways
This agreement aims to advance athletic performance through scientific approaches while ensuring athletes receive proper educational support. Both parties share the goal of collaboratively developing ice hockey in Thailand—by producing high-quality professionals in the sport, expanding academic knowledge, enhancing athletes’ capabilities, and elevating ice hockey players to become valuable national resources. The partnership also strengthens long-term stability for athletes in the sport.
The collaboration includes exchange programs for personnel and students to promote academic learning that can be applied to sports performance development. Chulalongkorn University students will also have the opportunity to intern with the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand. In addition, both institutions will support research development related to ice hockey, sports science, athlete conditioning during training and competitions, as well as sports psychology to prepare athletes for international competitions.
M.L. Krisada Kasemsan stated that it is a great honor for the association to sign this cooperation agreement with Chulalongkorn University. This partnership opens the door for Thai national athletes to pursue higher education and aligns with the association’s long-term athlete development plan. He emphasized that athletes should not have to sacrifice education for sports. Partnering with Chulalongkorn University—regarded as Thailand’s top university—will ensure stability and future opportunities for national team athletes.
Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, said that the university is once again proud to support the sports community, with ice hockey being the latest sport to enter an official collaboration with Chula. He expressed joy in seeing young Thai athletes grow and excel in various areas. He added that ice hockey players must possess skills no less than those in any other sport. Importantly, Chulalongkorn University does not grant educational opportunities only to winners—because in sports there are both victories and defeats. All athletes deserve equal educational access, regardless of results or titles; every athlete studying at Chula is valued equally.
“Grace” Thamida KUNTHADAPAKORN, goalkeeper of the Thailand women’s national ice hockey team and currently a first-year psychology student at Chulalongkorn University, expressed her gratitude to the association for prioritizing athletes’ education. She noted that national athletes often have to sacrifice class time during training camps, leading to missed lessons. This cooperation will ensure that the university provides increased academic support for ice hockey athletes. She added that she will continue to perform her best as an athlete and promised to secure a gold medal in the upcoming SEA Games.
Current Chulalongkorn University students who are also ice hockey athletes include: Thamida Kunthadapakorn, Apichaya Kosanunt, Thipwarintorn Yannakornthanapunt, Pacharamon Vorawat, Pacharamon Vorawat, Phraephailin Khanpakdee, Phraephloi Khanpakdee, Athit Khunraj, Teepanatad Pataramasakul, Natapat Patong, Phumrapee Prasertthanma, Pannawit Hongswadhi
