Continuing political demonstrations in Bangkok took the wind out of the Pattaya International Windsurfing Competition, with five of seven foreign countries dropping out.
Only 60 athletes from Thailand, Myanmar and South Korea were present when the Windsurfing Association of Thailand contest opened Jan. 10 on Jomtien Beach. Sailors from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore and Sri Lanka dropped out in the days leading up to the three-day meet.
A reduced fleet takes to the water Jan. 10 in Jomtien for the Pattaya International Windsurfing Competition.
ancellations, as the foreign governments had placed restrictions on traveling to the kingdom until order is restored.
Thai windsurfers considered the match important as they prepare for the Youth Olympics in China and ASEAN Games in South Korea.
Scheduled races included RS:X (Men Overall), RS:X (Woman Overall), Slalom (Shortboard) Classes A, Slalom (Shortboard) Classes B, RS: One Open, Techono 239 under age 17 and Raceboard Open.
