Thailand reinstated, looms as Phl top foe

NHA TRANG CITY, Vietnam – Fiba-Asia has reinstated Thailand as member of the region’s governing body for basketball, paving the way for the Thais inclusion in next month’s SEA Games in Jakarta.

In a special congress attended by 97 clubs in Bangkok last weekend, Thailand put up a new national federation similar to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and elected Surasak Chinawongwatana as the new president. The exercise was in compliance with the Fiba directive for Thailand’s reinstatement following the Basketball Association of Thailand’s suspension due to international violations.

The congress was attended by FIBA sec-gen Patrick Baumann and FIBA-Asia secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock and Thai International Olympic Committee member Dr. Nat Indrapana.

 “I’m happy that things have to come to a positive end. In fact, I won’t call it an end. It’s a fresh start for Thailand basketball,” Dato Yeoh told www.fibaasia.net.

“Thailand has been a very important member of the FIBA Asia family. I’m glad they are back in our fold before the SEA Games,” he added.

Despite Thailand’s reinstatement, the Philippines remains the top favorite in men’s caging with a lineup composed of Smart Gilas skipper Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter, Aldrech Ramos and perhaps naturalized 6-10 Marcus Douthit.

But the lady cagers are expected to have their hands full with the return of the Thais, who reigned in the 2007 SEAG in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Discovery Pilipinas, however, is ready after sweeping a four-team pocket tournament in Bacolod City last month.

“Our women’s team have prepared hard for this, they’re very confident of our chances,” said SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza.