Thai Chess Association Launches 2026 Corporate Tournament with 650,000 Baht Prizes
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The Thai Chess Association, together with Perfect Companion Group (PCG), Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), and CP Axtra, inaugurated the "Suek Lui Thao 2026" chess tournament on October 17 at The Tara building on Chaeng Watthana Road. Running until November 29, the event aims to exchange experience, sharpen skills, and develop strategic thinking while fostering camaraderie among 70 players from the three organizations, including employees, their children, and retirees. The competition features two formats: a Swiss System tournament divided into Senior, Youth, and Novice categories, and a team-based "Lui Thao" knockout where seven-member teams play 20 rounds. The "Lui Thao" format originated from the Japan-China Super Go series (1984–1996) and resembles a plough advancing continuously — winners stay on to face the next opponent until a team is eliminated. Wichian Chuengviroj, President of the Thai Chess Association, noted the tournament began in 2020 and expanded to three corporate teams in 2024. He emphasized chess as a tool to hone strategic minds applicable to work, requiring both teachers and opponents to improve. Executives from all three companies placed the ceremonial first stones to officially open the event, with defending champions PCG aiming to retain their title.
