Champ asks PM to help her coach become Thai citizen

Today, Ratchanok, who made her impact after capturing three World Superseries tournaments in a row in just three weeks – the India Open, Malaysia Open and Singapore Open – is due to clinch the world No 1 seed officially after the Badminton World Federation’s weekly rankings update.
The 21-year-old from Yasothon was accompanied by Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand; Kamala Thongkorn, manager of Ratchanok’s home club Ban Thong Yod; her coach Pattapol Ngernsrisuk; and Chinese coach Xie.
Prayut lauded the Asian champion on her remarkable success, particularly in moving to the top of the world rankings. “I would like to congratulate Nong May on her resounding success to emerge as world No 1. I watched all three tournaments Nong May competed in.”
Prayut thanked the champ and her supporters for bringing success and happiness to Thais of all walks of life during Songkran.
“Until Nong May came this far, you were very exhausted. Win or lose, it’s up to your heart. Don’t put any pressure on yourself and keep physically fit to keep your title as long as possible.”
Prayut said he would assign officials to work on legal processes to meet the request for her Chinese coach. The prime minister presented the 2013 world champion a blazer and a Pakhaoma-patterned hand bag as souvenirs.
He also rallied a little with Ratchanok with a shuttlecock in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building.