Thai traditional archers carefully placing their shots during the competition.
SATUN, on the west of the Isthmus of Kra in southern Thailand, is known for its picturesque landscape and is a getaway for many Malaysians. After all, it’s just over an hour away from Langkawi by ferry.
It has three national parks and many tourist spots. Yet it has often been an overlooked district in southern Thailand.
Recently, though, it took centre stage for a different reason: It hosted the Andaman Archery Championship, an annual event that showcases over 400 archers from across Asia.
Held annually, this event has become a highlight on the regional archery calendar. It attracts participants in the Olympic recurve, compound, traditional, and barebow disciplines who aim not just for victory but also to explore this scenic corner of Thailand.
The playing field in Satun set against the backdrop of a scenic, forested hillside.
Supported by the provincial government and the Thai Sports Authority, the championship aims to elevate Satun’s status within the archery world.
This year, World Archery Asia representatives were official observers, hinting at the championship’s growing potential.
An event official shared, “Satun is a lesser-known district but offers incredible natural attractions, from lush forest parks to breathtaking waterfalls.
“With the support of the Thailand Tourism Authority, we’re hoping to put Satun on the map as a must-visit destination for archery and adventure alike.”
A young barebow archer from Bangkok’s AF Archery Club in action during the 30m qualifying rounds.
The competition unfolded over three days, beginning with preliminary qualification rounds.
Archers vied for rankings and faced off in elimination matches that led to intense final rounds, deciding the tournament’s top medallists.
A bout of heavy rain briefly paused the event. Yet archers returned with renewed focus as soon as the skies cleared.
Matches extended late into the evening to keep pace with the schedule.
Malaysian archers especially shone in the junior recurve categories, bringing home gold medals and leaving an impression on the crowd.
Many participants, like a parent who travelled from Selangor with his daughter and a group of fellow archers, were pleasantly surprised by Satun’s charm.
“We’ve never been to this part of Thailand before and the event’s quality exceeded our expectations. Plus, it was easy to find Halal food, which was a big plus for us,” he remarked, noting Satun’s strong Muslim-friendly hospitality and its Thai-Malay community.
With its second successful year, the Andaman Archery Championship is steadily carving a name for itself.
Organisers hope to continue drawing in archers, building an enduring reputation for the sport and Satun as a vibrant venue for international competitions.
