BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai golfer April Chanoknan Angurasaranee earned a fourth consecutive Honda LPGA Thailand start by winning the national qualifier in Bangkok.
Fourth qualifying win secures Pattaya return
The world No. 456 finished at three under par with 141 strokes over rounds of 71 and 70 in Bangkok, topping a field of 89 players. The event featured 25 professionals and 64 amateurs. With the victory, the 20-year-old booked her place at the 19th Honda LPGA Thailand, scheduled for 19–22 February 2026 at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, where 72 leading players were set to compete for 1.8 million US dollars, or about 60 million baht.
Childhood dream of Pattaya stage comes true
After the win, the young Thai appeared visibly moved.
“This year everyone played extremely well, and the course was very challenging because of the strong wind,”
said April Chanoknan, who grew up watching the event.
“As a child I often went to Pattaya to watch the tournament and cheer on the players. To be able to start there myself now makes me incredibly proud. I have to thank my family for their unwavering support and Honda for creating a platform that allows young Thais to step onto the world stage.”
said April Chanoknan Angurasaranee.
Training push and long-term ambition
The Thai player announced plans to intensify her preparation.
“From here on I will work even harder, hoping to play alongside my idols Jeeno and May. Please support me and all Thai women golfers!”
said April Chanoknan, outlining her next steps. She began playing golf only at the age of 11 but turned professional at 16 and gradually established herself in international women’s golf, pursuing a clear long-term goal of becoming world No. 1.
Results on European and global stages
Among her key results were a runner-up finish at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open 2023 on the Ladies European Tour and starts on the LPGA Tour in 2024 and 2025. At the PIF Saudi Ladies International 2025, she recorded the first hole-in-one of her career at the Riyadh Golf Club, on the sixth hole, a par 3 over 154 yards. These performances underlined her rise from late starter to contender on major international tours.
Honda highlights pathway for new stars
Organisers stressed the importance of the national qualifiers for domestic talent.
“The National Qualifiers are a crucial platform that gives Thai women golfers the chance to show their potential and to bring forth new stars in women’s golf,”
said Ratchanee Jirathavorkul, General Manager Business Planning at Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
“Honda believes in the strength and potential of Thai youth, and we hope that the experience at Honda LPGA Thailand will advance the careers of these athletes,”
said Nakhon Wimoljitarsaad, General Manager Marketing Communications at Thai Honda Co., Ltd.
Eight years of qualifiers shaping careers
The Honda LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers had been organised for eight years by the Thailand Ladies Professional Golf Association (Thai LPGA). The series had already helped several players reach international tours. Past winners included Gift Benyapa Niphatsophon (2019), Reina Tatematsu (2020), Proud Chanettee Wannasaen (2021–2022), Sim Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (2023), Hutch Suwichaya Vinijchaitham (2024) and Fai Pimnipa Panthong (2025).
Star-studded field awaits in Pattaya 2026
The 2026 field in Pattaya was set to feature leading global names. World No. 1 Jeeno Atthaya Thitikul, the 2025 Rolex Player of the Year, was due to headline, alongside defending champion Patty Tavatanakit, 2021 winner May Ariya Jutanugarn and 2025 champion Angel Yin of the United States. Golf fans could follow updates on Honda LPGA Thailand 2026 via the official website hondalpgathailand.com and the tournament’s Facebook and Instagram channels.