The Singapore Law Gazette

LSS Badminton Team Hosts Lawyers Council of Thailand in Thrilling Friendly

Our Law Society badminton team had the pleasure of hosting our counterparts from the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) to a friendly match on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the newly opened Fernvale Village.

This marked the third edition of the long-standing series; the last encounter having taken place in Bangkok in 2015 and the inaugural games dating back to 2010. While the LSS badminton team has routinely embarked on numerous overseas expeditions, this occasion was particularly significant – it was the first time in over a decade that we welcomed a foreign team to our shores for a friendly match. The last such visit was in 2014 when we hosted the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI).

The LCT delegation was led by Mr Paiboon Yamaim, Vice President of LCT and Mr Suwit Darasith, President of the LCT Badminton Club, and boasted a travelling contingent of more than 40 players and supporters. Their team comprised players spanning diverse age groups and skill levels – ranging from 20s to 70s and from casual players to seasoned competitors.

The official programme featured 12 doubles pairs: one VIP, seven men’s doubles, three women’s doubles, and one mixed doubles. Matches were intentionally arranged according to ages and skill levels for more balanced and competitive games. Representing LSS in the VIP doubles match were District Judge Eddy Tham of the State Courts and Associate Professor Low Kee Yang from the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law.

It was a thrillingly close contest, with both teams matching each other game for game throughout. The scores were tied 11-11 heading into the final game, where the Thai lawyers narrowly clinched victory. Final score LCT 12 : 11 LSS.

Following the official games, players and supporters participated in the customary mixed-nation friendly matches, pairing players from both teams in a spirit of camaraderie and fun.

As part of their itinerary, the LCT team also paid a visit to the Law Society’s office where they were hosted by LSS Vice President Samuel Chacko and ExCo Member, Lim Seng Siew. The visit included a sharing from our Singapore representatives about the local notary system.

The weekend’s events concluded with a Closing Dinner held at Mamanda @ The Chevrons, where guests enjoyed a sumptuous spread of Malay and local fare. The evening was made even more memorable with a surprise vocal performance by Associate Professor Low Kee Yang, who captivated the audience with his rendition of The Music of the Night and The Sound of Silence. The festivities escalated quickly, turning into a lively open-mic karaoke session with impromptu renditions of Thai and English songs by players from both sides.

Such excitement was generated from the performances that the medals originally meant for the mixed-nation friendly games were spontaneously repurposed for the unofficial “Singapore & Thailand’s Got Talent”.

The weekend filled with fellowship, sport and food ensured all participants left with fond memories and new friendships.

Special thanks to all participants and organisers, including the Law Society Secretariat for its support, in making this event yet another resounding success. The LCT has graciously extended an open invitation to host the next edition of the games in Bangkok. We eagerly look forward to our next trip to the Land of Smiles!