PATTAYA, THAILAND – The Pattaya International Beach Football Cup 2026 opened on Jomtien Beach on 13 February, drawing international teams and spectators for a week-long tournament aimed at boosting sports tourism and the local economy.
Opening ceremony on Jomtien Beach
The official opening of the beach football tournament took place in the afternoon in front of the D Varee Hotel on Jomtien Beach. Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat presided over the ceremony as guest of honour, joined by senior representatives from the city and Chonburi province.
Officials, guests and atmosphere
Among those attending were the vice president of the Pattaya City Council, several council members, representatives of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, the assistant to the secretary of the council president and Niels Colov, chairman of the Pattaya People Media Group. The director of the Tourism Development Division outlined the tournament’s objectives and schedule in an official report, while representatives of national teams, authorities, media and local fans created a lively atmosphere on the beach.
Goals: youth, community and image
The tournament, running from 13 to 19 February 2026, was designed to encourage young people and residents to use their free time for sport and to improve skills and experience in beach football. At the same time, the city sought to strengthen ties between foreign residents, professional athletes, locals and authorities, sharpen Pattaya’s image as a Sports City and hub for sports tourism, and attract additional visitors, revenue and economic stimulus.
International field and competition format
Teams from eight countries took part: Thailand, Russia, Japan, Norway, Finland, India, Germany and England. The men’s competition was divided into an elite category with four teams and a social category with six teams, with the winners in both divisions receiving trophies and cash prizes provided by the City of Pattaya.
Deputy mayor highlights long-term strategy
In his speech, Kritsana Boonsawat stressed the strong appeal of beach football as a popular, fast-paced sport that can be played all year round around the world. He pointed to Pattaya’s long-term commitment to developing athletes through annual tournaments, implementing national strategies to promote sports cities and sports tourism, and stimulating the local economy through higher visitor spending.
Match schedule, coverage and services
Matches were held daily from 5 p.m. on the beach section in front of the D Varee Hotel near the Yaimak market, with free admission for spectators. Results and broadcasts were provided via the PATTAYA SPORTS TOURISM Facebook page, while further information was available during office hours from the Sports Tourism Division on 038-253128 and around the clock from the Pattaya Contact Center on 1337.
Public debate over Pattaya’s future focus
The event also fed into a wider discussion about whether Pattaya could transition from a party destination to a genuine sports city.
“International teams, crowded beaches and high expectations: with the Beach Football Cup, Pattaya wants to strengthen its image as a sports and event destination. Is sports tourism the city’s future – or just a short-term visitor magnet?”
said The Pattaya News, posing the question to readers.