Thailand is becoming a stage for the new era of chess, as it will host the ASEAN E-sports Chess Cup 2026, to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on 13 June 2026.

According to the Thailand Chess Association, the upcoming ASEAN E-sports Chess Cup 2026 will bring together 11 leading chess players representing Southeast Asian countries, alongside international players from Europe and the Middle East. Among the participants will be world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen from Norway and world No. 2 Fabiano Caruana from the United States.

Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi on 10 June held a meeting with President of the Thailand Chess Association Sahapol Nakvanich on guidelines to promote international and digital chess sports in order to develop the potential of Thai youth and upgrade Thailand as a regional sports and digital innovation hub.

Minister Supamas said that the Government attaches great importance to promoting the country’s “soft power” and the digital economy. She pointed out that chess helps develop analytical thinking, strategic planning, decision-making, and concentration – the skills that are increasingly important for young people in the 21st century.

Minister Supamas said that the ASEAN E-sports Chess Cup 2026 would offer a good opportunity for Thai youth to learn from and compete alongside world-class players. The event would also demonstrate Thailand’s capabilities in personnel, technology, and digital infrastructure for moving toward becoming an ASEAN digital sports hub.

She tasked the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) with launching public relations campaigns for the tournament through its media platforms in order to increase public awareness and encourage youth participation. The campaigns will also help promote a favorable image of the country to the international stage.

The opening ceremony of the ASEAN E-sports Chess Cup 2026 will take place at 09.00 hr and the award presentation ceremony at 18.00 hr on 13 June.