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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
‘Start exercising!': secrets of Thailand's 105-year-old athletics champion
For the 105-year-old Thai athlete Sawang Janpram, the day normally starts at 5.30am. He has a breakfast of two boiled eggs, some protein, vegetables and fruit, and by 6am or 7am he's out at the beach or local stadium near his home in Rayong province, training with his 73-year-old daughter Siripan. He will walk between 1km and 2km before doing a quick 100m run, once or twice. Then, he practises one of his other sports: javelin, discus or shot put. Sawang's training regime has proven effective – just last week, he won four golds at the World Masters Games in Taiwan. He was, media reports remarked, in a league of his own at the event – as the oldest competitor at the games and the only person in his age group, he was almost certain to win the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100m, which he completed in 38.55 seconds. What's the secret to his longevity and success? 'Regular exercise, healthy food, staying in a good mood, always being calm, breathing clean air and keeping up good hygiene,' he says. 'If I'm sick, I go to see the doctor.' Sawang has always loved sports, watching it on TV or at local competitions. 'I like to watch boxing, and my favourite is Pone Kingpetch,' he says, referring to Thailand's first world boxing champion, who retired in the 1960s. It was not until Sawang turned 97 that he began competing. He was inspired by Siripan, an athlete with the Thai Veteran Athletics Association, who would bring her father along to watch her compete at events. 'He started to like the atmosphere because he could make new friends and see new people. He saw that even though the people involved were 60-, 70- or 75-year-old athletes, they were still able to participate,' says Siripan. At first, Sawang's family worried that the travel required for competitions may be too tiring. But 21 games and 78 medals later, it has all gone well, Siripan says. There are days when he feels a bit lethargic, says Sawang with a laugh, but the sight of his daughter heading out normally spurs him on. 'If I notice that he looks a bit tired, we just do walking, no jogging, or any other form of practice,' says Siripan. Going outside, and being active, has benefits beyond physical fitness. 'I can see that he looks refreshed when he sees other people. It's only two of us in the house, and it's better to keep going out,' she adds. Sawang likes to eat vegetables and nam prik pao – a spicy dipping sauce made with chillies, shallots, garlic, dried shrimp and fish sauce – as well as gaeng liang, a vegetable soup, and gaeng som, a spicy and sour fish curry with rice. He rarely eats pork, and mostly sticks to vegetables and fish. Siripan explains that they eat healthily and that the air quality is good near to the beach where they exercise. Her father also keeps up a positive attitude, he adds. 'If he gets sick or needs to take medicine, he's never stubborn about it.' She believes the main barrier preventing older people in Thailand from exercising is a lack of support. 'They don't want to do it alone, and especially for elderly people, they need help and assistance,' she says. Thailand is considered an ageing society, with 20% of the population more than 60 years old. 'Elderly people especially can get quite lonely at home – their children or relatives are out at work, so they stay home all day alone,' she says. Exercise can 'make them feel lively again'. She hopes her father's success will inspire others. 'When I look at the comments on social media, I see a lot of positive responses. People are saying 'Grandpa is so great' and that they wanted to be fit as Grandpa,' she says. 'I am very happy, and I'm very proud of my dad – that he stays strong and he has the discipline to keep fit. I know that he doesn't want to be a burden to our family,' says Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in Taiwan. Both Sawang and Siripan plan to take a few days off after their success, but will get stuck into training again next week. They are already gearing up to qualify for the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships, which will be held in India in November. 'I want everyone to start exercising so they will be strong and not getting sick,' says Sawang. His advice to others who want to get fit? 'If you go out to exercise with friends, you will get a chance to know them more – and it's fun.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Thai Athlete, 105, Unrivalled but Not Lonely at World Masters Games
Sawang Janpram is in a league of his own at the World Masters Games in Taiwan -- at 105 he is the oldest competitor and the only person in his age group. It meant that Thailand's Sawang was all but certain to win gold in the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100 meters. All he had to do was finish, and the former school principal reached the 100m line in his solo race in a very respectable 38.55 seconds. "I'm proud he's brought honor to our family," his 73-year-old daughter Siripan, a fellow evergreen athlete, told AFP. They are among 25,950 athletes from 107 countries at the two-week World Masters Games in Taipei. Held every four years, the event brings together competitors aged 30 and over from all walks of life for the sheer joy of taking part. This year's edition is more than twice as big as the 2024 Paris Olympics in terms of competitor numbers. Sawang, a father of five, began exercising at the age of 90, inspired by Siripan and a desire to avoid becoming bedridden like his friends. Three to four times a week, Sawang joins his daughter to trot on a beach near their home in Rayong in eastern Thailand. "I sometimes like to walk, sometimes run," said Sawang, peering at AFP through aviator sunglasses as he explained his training regimen. "Sometimes I do javelin throw, depending on what I have to do for competitions." Other times, Sawang said he just goes to the local market. It's proved to be a winning strategy, with the wiry centenarian winning more than 60 medals on the masters circuit. Sawang added four more golds to his collection this week. - 'Exercise makes life better' - A smattering of spectators was in the stadium as Sawang competed in the shot put, his last event of the Games. Before the first throw, Sawang lined up with other sprightly shot putters in the 80+, 85+ and 90+ age groups to be introduced. Wearing knee braces, Sawang threw more than four meters on each of his five attempts, drawing cheers and claps from the younger athletes. Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in her throwing events, joined her father on the podium after he received his fourth gold. "I'm so proud of my father that he can still do this and that he is strong," Siripan said. "People admire him wherever he goes." The next World Masters Games will be in Japan in 2027 after it was postponed twice during Covid-19. Whether he competes there or in another masters event will be "up to my health", Sawang said. Before athletics, Sawang used to work on his farm, where he grew durian and rubber trees. Now he just focuses on sport. "Exercise makes our life better and we get to meet friends who also exercise," Sawang said. "It's like our lives are livelier and we do not feel lonely at home."
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Thai athlete, 105, unrivalled but not lonely at World Masters Games
Sawang Janpram is in a league of his own at the World Masters Games in Taiwan -- at 105 he is the oldest competitor and the only person in his age group. It meant that Thailand's Sawang was all but certain to win gold in the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100 metres. All he had to do was finish, and the former school principal reached the 100m line in his solo race in a very respectable 38.55 seconds. "I'm proud he's brought honour to our family," his 73-year-old daughter Siripan, a fellow evergreen athlete, told AFP. They are among 25,950 athletes from 107 countries at the two-week World Masters Games in Taipei. Held every four years, the event brings together competitors aged 30 and over from all walks of life for the sheer joy of taking part. This year's edition is more than twice as big as the 2024 Paris Olympics in terms of competitor numbers. Sawang, a father of five, began exercising at the age of 90, inspired by Siripan and a desire to avoid becoming bedridden like his friends. Three to four times a week, Sawang joins his daughter to trot on a beach near their home in Rayong in eastern Thailand. "I sometimes like to walk, sometimes run," said Sawang, peering at AFP through aviator sunglasses as he explained his training regimen. "Sometimes I do javelin throw, depending on what I have to do for competitions." Other times, Sawang said he just goes to the local market. It's proved to be a winning strategy, with the wiry centenarian winning more than 60 medals on the masters circuit. Sawang added four more golds to his collection this week. - 'Exercise makes life better' - A smattering of spectators was in the stadium as Sawang competed in the shot put, his last event of the Games. Before the first throw, Sawang lined up with other sprightly shot putters in the 80+, 85+ and 90+ age groups to be introduced. Wearing knee braces, Sawang threw more than four metres on each of his five attempts, drawing cheers and claps from the younger athletes. Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in her throwing events, joined her father on the podium after he received his fourth gold. "I'm so proud of my father that he can still do this and that he is strong," Siripan said. "People admire him wherever he goes." The next World Masters Games will be in Japan in 2027 after it was postponed twice during Covid-19. Whether he competes there or in another masters event will be "up to my health", Sawang said. Before athletics, Sawang used to work on his farm, where he grew durian and rubber trees. Now he just focuses on sport. "Excercise makes our life better and we get to meet friends who also exercise," Sawang said. "It's like our lives are livelier and we do not feel lonely at home."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Changan starts NEV manufacturing plant operations in Thailand
China-based Changan has started production at its first 'international new energy vehicle (NEV) production base' in Rayong, Thailand. The company says the facility marks a transition from product exports to exporting entire industrial ecosystems. The Rayong factory incorporates manufacturing systems, R&D processes, and supply chain standards, establishing a 'green, intelligent, and replicable model for sustainable global operations'. Coinciding with the launch of the Rayong factory, ChangAn also celebrated the rollout of its 28.59 millionth vehicle, a right-hand drive DEEPAL S05 tailored for global markets. This milestone, it says, underscores Changan's commitment to its 'Vast Ocean Plan', which aims to elevate five major overseas markets—Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia—to the same strategic level as its home market in China. By scaling globally with smart manufacturing and localised collaboration, Changan says it is accelerating its transformation into a world-class automobile brand. The Rayong factory includes five workshops, including welding, painting, general assembly, engine assembly, and battery, plus auxiliary functions such as exterior inspection. As a green, energy-efficient facility, it features streamlined operations with daylight optimisation, photovoltaic systems, and greywater/rainwater recycling, reducing per-vehicle energy consumption by around 20%. Automated processes, adaptive conveyance systems, and advanced assembly and testing ensure production efficiency and product quality for diverse market demands, the company claims. In the future, the CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands will be produced at the Rayong Factory, with annual capacity expected to double from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 2027. "This is a big moment for Changan – a giant leap from exporting cars to building local ecosystem," said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan Automobile. "Changan starts NEV manufacturing plant operations in Thailand" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ChangAn Opens First International NEV Manufacturing Base in Thailand, Expanding Its Industry Export Model
RAYONG, Thailand, May 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- ChangAn Automobile ("ChangAn" or "the Company"), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, has accelerated its Vast Ocean Plan for global expansion with the launch of production at its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) production base in Rayong, Thailand. The facility marks a transition from product exports to exporting entire industrial ecosystems. The Rayong factory incorporates manufacturing systems, R&D processes, and supply chain standards, establishing a green, intelligent, and replicable model for sustainable global operations. Coinciding with the launch of the Rayong factory, ChangAn also celebrated the rollout of its 28.59 millionth vehicle, a right-hand drive DEEPAL S05 tailored for global markets. This milestone underscores ChangAn's commitment to its Vast Ocean Plan, which aims to elevate five major overseas markets—Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia—to the same strategic level as its home market in China. By scaling globally with smart manufacturing and localised collaboration, ChangAn is accelerating its transformation into a world-class automobile brand. The Rayong factory spans approximately 245 rai (392,000 square meters), and boasts five workshops, including welding, painting, general assembly, engine assembly, and battery, plus auxiliary functions such as exterior inspection. As a green, energy-efficient facility, it features streamlined operations with daylight optimisation, photovoltaic systems, and greywater/rainwater recycling, reducing per-vehicle energy consumption by around 20%. Automated processes, adaptive conveyance systems, and advanced assembly and testing ensure production efficiency and product quality for diverse market demands. In the future, the CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands will be produced at the Rayong Factory, with annual capacity expected to double from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 2027. ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan reflects global industry trends, with the Rayong Factory marking a major step in its international operation. To date, ChangAn has held brand launches in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. In particular, since launching its Southeast Asia brand initiative in Thailand in November 2023, the company has introduced seven new models to the Thai market including the DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11, with cumulative sales exceeding 14,000 units, ranking among the top four in Thailand's NEV market. ChangAn's Rayong factory marks the culmination of 41 years of automotive manufacturing expertise. Blending this legacy with local operations, the facility has established a global system standard cultivating international talent. It sets the foundation for replicating ChangAn's global factory standards and serves as a best-practice model for international operations, reflected in four key areas, namely, the application of ChangAn's CPS lean manufacturing system, emphasising leadership, productivity, and performance. The integration of seven operational systems and six core processes forms the core of the Company's lean management strategy, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Leveraging the CAPDS system, the plant strengthens Southeast Asian technical support and engineering development. It focuses on new energy, intelligent systems, adaptive design, and advancing regional product innovation. Built on the CA-PLS framework, Rayong is ChangAn's first international site to standardise production management enabling rapid product launches. The plant marks an innovative, resilient, dual-circulation supply chain linking China and Thailand. "This is a big moment for ChangAn – a giant leap from exporting cars to building local ecosystem," said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile. "Despite the huge challenges brought by anti-globalization, ChangAn stays committed to Vast Ocean Plan. With a spirit of win-win cooperation, we will contribute more to economic and social development of Thailand, and drive the global auto industry forward." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ChangAn Automobile View original content to download multimedia:
