Playing in front of the public for the first time as the government eased their protection against COVID-19, the teenager overcame a second game lapse to prevail over the world No 15 21-17 21-23 21-11.
The 19-year-old Kunlavut, world record holder of three straight World Junior Championships title, also upset world No 25 and second-seeded SItthikom Thamasin, the defending champion, n two sets in the semi-finals on Wednesday in the annual tournament which took place at Central Department Store Chaengwattana.
This is Kunlavut’s best show in the Championships after he reached the quarter-finals five years ago.
Phittayaporn Chaiwan
On the women’s side, there was a huge upset as 19-year-old Phittayaporn Chaiwan upended world No 15 and former champion Pornpawee Chorchuwong 21-16 21-16.
The Championships were also used to select players to represent Thailand in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cub in Denmark this October.