When an airline is a national carrier, the demands upon it become something more than carrying passengers and flying from one destination to another. The airline, if it’s a conscientious one, is to assist in the promotion and upholding the name of the country it represents. In the corporate industry they call it “sponsorship.” Sometimes these project are overwhelming, and to say the least, costly. They have to be chosen carefully and correctly. In 2003, THAI sponsored and supported dozens of organizations and projects. Heading the list was the support for the organization of HM Queen Sirikit's Gala Evening, raising funds for HM the Queen's charities. Other royal functions were the support for the organization of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Musical Evening, to establish a fund for the educationally disadvantaged in realm.

Some sponsorships, of course, are more noteworthy than others. One that captured many hearts was the "Believe Me" project in cooperation with tennis star Paradorn Srichapan. With the support of THAI and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the government made Paradon an official Good Will ambassador for the Kingdom of Thailand. As Thailand's best player ever, he returned home last fall to compete in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Thailand Open that took place during this past 20-28 September. THAI launched a range of special promotion offers for the airline's customers to obtain free tickets for the Tennis Championship.

THAI’s choice to sponsor Paradorn Srichaphan wasn’t merely the fact that he is a winning player. The airline feels that he is a representative of Thailand and the Thai people, a young man who is something more than simply a player who wins games. Paradon is a symbol of inspiration for the youth of Thailand and truly represents the honour and dignity of the nation. It is with this pride that THAI labels him as “a favourite son.”

So who is this Paradorn Srichaphan?

There is no question about Paradorn Srichaphan being phenomena. His name is mentioned everywhere one travels around Thailand (and in many parts of the world as well). His face appears looking down from billboards and there is hardly a newspaper or magazine that doesn’t feature him in one way or another. Paradorn Srichaphan is the talk of the town. But now comes the big question, who really is this Paradorn Srichaphan? How did he come to reach the fame that he now has. How did it all happen?

First, let’s look at the record. In the past two years, Paradorn has risen from 110 in the world rankings to number 11, winning four ATP Tour Championships along the way. What makes this feat even more amazing is the number of famous players he had to conquer en route to reach the top. Agassi, Hewitt, Safin, Kuerten, Ferrero, and Rios (all Grand-Slam Champions) stood in his path to the championship trophy. Then we must consider the Asian Games gold medal.

I found the answers in part when I when I located the former Davis Cup coach of the Thai Tennis Federation, Robert Davis. I learned from Robert there is more to being Paradorn than meets the eye. His story is more than just the success of a tennis player. It is a heartwarming tale about a father’s vision, and a family’s support and a young man’s special gift. In the harsh reality of professional sports, dreams don’t always come true. But for the Srichaphan family this one did.

“How did it all happen?” I asked the former Davis Cup coach. It was in deed an inspiration story that Robert had to tell. It seems Paradorn’s father, Chanachai, had a dream, and a decision to make.

Chanachai was a bank clerk who had three sons. All three were good athletes, and he was searching for a sport that they could excel in. He discovered tennis. But, he wasn’t player. That didn’t stop him. He set out to learn the game himself, so that he could then teach his sons. He went a step further. He boldly announced, to the chagrin of his workers and friends, that he was quitting his job at the bank in order to dedicate all his time and energy to teaching his sons the game of tennis.

It’s not unusual today to hear about families who risk all they have on a chance of stardom for a family member, but twenty years ago in Thailand it was unheard of. In fact, it was such a preposterous idea that many people openly criticized Chanachai for endangering the livelihood of his sons for sports. But Chanachai had a dream that one day a Srichaphan would be a tennis champion.

“I didn’t have any experience in tennis. So I had to teach myself how to be a coach,” Chanachai confessed to Robert. “I began reading coaching manuals and watching tennis videos.” Over a period of time he trained his two sons, Tanakorn and Narathorn, to reach top ten international junior world rankings and Tanakorn became the current champion of Thailand. But, the brothers had a tough struggle ahead to reach the next level. A combination of things was factors, but the principal one was the lack of finances to support the high costs of competiting on the professional tour. Now with young Paradorn following in their footsteps, what would the future hold for Chanachai’s youngest son?

In his heart Chanachai knew the answers to his own questions. If Paradorn were going to maximize his tennis talent, then it would be up to him, his father and coach, and the support of the entire Srichaphan family, to see him through. Chanachai could not rely on others. If sponsors wanted to help, that would be fine, but he would take complete charge. And ultimately, his alone would have to accept complete responsibility.

It was a most difficult decision. All three sons were ranked in the top 10 of international junior tennis, all three won SEA Games & Asian Games gold medals, and all three would represented Thailand proudly in Davis Cup competition.

Success is defined in many ways, but in sports success is measured by results. Paradorn credits his brothers along with his father for much of his success. “It was a huge advantage having my older brothers to practice with each day,” he told Robert. “I was able to learn a lot from just watching what they went through. Not many twelve year olds get to practice with the Davis Cup team each day.”

As the former coach of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, Robert had the opportunity to observe the Srichaphan family on many occasions. Tanakorn, he explained, was considered a bright star amongst the National coaches; and both Narathorn and Paradorn were both on the Davis Cup teams that he coached.

Robert developed a great respect and admiration for Chanachai for his dedication and persistence, and most of all, for his wisdom that he had shown in the difficult path to professional tennis stardom.

Nevertheless, the bottom line is that it is Paradorn’s determination and his tennis skills that have earned him a career with the best ranking of 11, $1.4 million dollars in career prize money, and nearly twice that amount in endorsements. But what has endeared Paradorn to the hearts of many is his modesty and sportsmanship both on and off the court.

The question that everyone has to ask is can the young tennis ace handle the expectations of a nation that clings to his every match? “Of course, I would like to win every match I play,” Paradorn admitted. “But that isn’t very realistic. I want to do well, but I don’t feel like I have to win every match. My family supports me no matter the results.”

The ATP has also taken notice to the Thai star by voting him the 2002 Most Improved Player of the Year, and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. There seems to be no end to the honors he has been bestowed. “Paradorn embodies the spirit of Thailand,” stated the Minister of Labour, Suwat Liptapanlop, at a government ceremony where Paradorn and his father were granted diplomatic status as cultural Ambassadors of Thailand. “He has provided all Thais with an example of what we can achieve with a dream and hard work.”

Even the mayor of his hometown, Khon Kaen, found a way to honor Paradorn. Mayor Pheeraphol signed a decree that includes Paradorn’s biography into all secondary school curriculums.

Robert was at the ceremony in which the Labour Minister bestowed him with honours. What was Paradorn’s day like? I asked him. Robert admitted he didn’t know if a tennis match or an afternoon with the public was more strenuous. After the official part of the ceremony was over Paradorn found himself immediately surrounded by executives from banks wanting to congratulate him, film crews wanting to take his photo, reporters wanting his words of advice, and, of course, all who wanted his autograph. And everyone asked if they could pose alongside the tennis star for a picture. As usual, Paradorn obliged each request with a smile and spent the next 45 minutes signing his name on everything from tennis balls to T-shirts. When the last request had been satisfied, Paradorn opened his mobile phone.

“Look how many calls I got since this morning,” Paradorn said showing Robert the phone and shaking his head. He read the number—seventy-one calls. “Can you believe that,” Paradorn said. “Crazy.”

As the film crew loaded the last of the equipment into the vans, Paradorn began his stretching routine and doing sit-ups. For the rest of he crew the day was over, but not for Paradorn. He had to go to the gym to work out. “He’s a professional athlete,” Robert concluded, “and to remain at the top, the work never ends.”

It no small wonder that THAI has become Paradorn’s major sponsor.

For questions readers might have, I can be contacted by e-mail and will make an attempt to answer all questions concerning this feature and others in the series.

Harold Stephens
booking@inet.co.th 

Note: The article is the personal view of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.