Cricket in Thailand is not a sport you would usually expect to find in a country with no colonial past, where boxing and soccer dominate the sporting agenda. Surprisingly, though, cricket was first played in Chiang Mai over 100 years ago at the landmark Victorian Chiengmai Gykmkhana Club, which is now a thriving centre for cricket for Thais and foreigners alike. This picturesque sports club and golf course located in the city near the river Ping, today plays host to cricket events at all levels.

The San Miguel Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is a week long festival of cricket, showcasing the most spectacular form of the game. Now in it's 23rd year, the 2010 Sixes kicks off on March 28 with 32 teams competing from all over the world.

The junior Chiang Mai Cricket Schools Alliance (CMSCA) Sawasdee Sixes tournament runs alongside the main event, with children from local schools playing the softball version of the game. Through the generosity of the organizers and visiting teams, a great deal of funds are raised to support the successful program of junior cricket development in Chiang Mai. Spectators can sample the unique atmosphere of The San Miguel Sixes free of charge, while the "Longroom" bar at pitchside and foodstalls provide all the refreshments required to sit back and enjoy matches in a beautiful setting.

The Gymkhana Club and Prem International School co-host the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) one-day international tournaments, which is organized by the Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT). Previous tournaments here have attracted all levels of international teams from across Asia with U-17, U-19, senior and ladies competitions. These two grounds boast some of the finest cricketing facilities in SE Asia, and certainly the best in Thailand.

The Chiang Mai Cricket Club (CMCC) senior league season runs from October to March, as well as the Chiang Mai Cricket Schools Alliance (CMSCA) U-15 junior league, but cricket continues throughout the year, weather permitting in the rainy season, with 20/20 competitions, inter-regional tournaments, U-19 Provincial training camps and regular nets.

The development of junior cricket first began in Thailand by a group of dedicated cricket lovers based in Chiang Mai. In 2000, the CMSCA was formed, and introduced cricket into schools with a softball game named "Sawasdee Cricket" similar to "Kwik" or "Kanga" cricket, with great success.

Ten years later, "Sawasdee'"has gone from strength to strength, supplying players who go on to play in the hardball U-15 league, the CMCC senior league and for their province and country. Many Hilltribe children are now taking up the sport, and along with most Thai children, haven't had much chance to play sports and had never seen cricket before now. Chiang Mai junior players now represent their country at all levels, and the progress seems set to continue.

Cricket is now one of the fastest growing sports in Thailand. The game has been taken up enthusiastically by Thais, when before it was the preserve of expats. Only recently, Thai Government recognition of the sport has meant the game is developing at a rapid pace throughout the Kingdom.

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has  now included cricket for the first time in the Makhamwan Games ( National Youth Games), which will held in Petchabun in March 2010. This follows the inaugural National Youth Cricket Championships held in Bangkok by CAT in November 2009, where under-19 boys and girls competed from six different provinces.

Cricket will also be included for the first time at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November 2010 in a 20/20 competition, where Thailand will be represented. In addition, cricket will now be featured in the ASEAN University Games to be held in Chiang Mai in December 2010.

Chiang Mai is now leading the way in Thailand for the development of the game for Thais, especially at the junior level. The CMSCA are also in need of volunteer coaches to help expand their program in the schools and would welcome much needed kits or donations to build on the achievements so far accomplished.