Nong Khai to Host Thai and Asian Paragliding Events

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded

Nong Khai province is preparing to host two major national and international precision paragliding competitions in 2026, as Thailand builds momentum towards staging the World Championships in 2027. The events are expected to bring athletes, officials and visitors from across Asia and beyond to the province, strengthening its profile as an international air sports venue.

The competitions are being organised by the Royal Aeronautical Sports Association of Thailand, under Royal Patronage, in partnership with Nong Khai provincial authorities. They include the 10th Thailand and ASEAN Friendship Precision Paragliding Championships (AFA Nation League 2026) and the 5th Asian Precision Paragliding Championships 2026. Both events will be held at Wat Pha Tak Suea field in Pha Tang subdistrict, Sangkhom district, Nong Khai.

A progress meeting was held on 27 January 2026 at Pathum Thewa Phiban Conference Room, 4th Floor, Nong Khai Provincial Hall. The meeting was chaired jointly by Group Captain Veerayut Disayasarin, President of the Royal Aeronautical Sports Association of Thailand, and Mr Saranasak Sri Khruaenet, Governor of Nong Khai. Officials reviewed task allocations and confirmed that overall preparations for the competition venue were proceeding smoothly.

The Thailand and ASEAN Friendship Precision Paragliding Championships, AFA Nation League 2026, will serve as an official test event for the 14th World Precision Paragliding Championships. Thailand is scheduled to host the world championships in Nong Khai in 2027, using the same competition site. A total of 118 athletes from 11 countries are confirmed to compete between 31 January and 4 February 2026.

The opening ceremony for the AFA Nation League event will take place on Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 6.00 pm, with the closing ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at 3.00 pm. Organisers have confirmed that competition logistics, safety arrangements and coordination with local agencies are in place.

The 5th Asian Precision Paragliding Championships 2026 will follow shortly afterwards. This event will feature 98 athletes from 12 countries and will be held from 8 to 15 February 2026. The opening ceremony is set for Monday, 9 February 2026 at 10.00 am, while the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 11.00 am.

Kaoded reported that together, the two competitions are intended to test organisational readiness, facilities and local support ahead of the world championships in 2027. Provincial and national sports officials view the events as a key step in reinforcing Thailand’s capability to host high-level international air sports competitions.

Key Takeaways

• Nong Khai will host two major precision paragliding competitions in January and February 2026.

• The events will involve 216 athletes from 23 countries across two international tournaments.

• Both competitions are official test events ahead of the World Championships in Nong Khai in 2027.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Kaoded 2026-01-29