Former Tennis Star Paradorn Set To Enter Thai Politics

[Admin]

Paradorn set to enter politics
By The Nation
2011-04-11

Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan looks set for a major career change - he's about to enter the upcoming election, reportedly for the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party.

Previously known as "Super Ball" due to his success in professional tennis, the 31-year-old is due to give a press conference today about his new path.

Accompanying him will be Suwat Liptapanlop, the de facto leader of Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party and president of the Lawn Tennis Associa-tion of Thailand, and ex-wife Natalie Glebova, the 2005 Miss Universe.

Paradorn, the first Asian to crack a world top 10 tennis ranking, revealed his interest in politics on Congratulations Day at Ramkhamhaeng University in February. A political science graduate and winner of five professional championships, he said in a recent interview with Thai Rath he had been following political developments for some time.

"I'm not 100 per cent into politics, but I have been following news just like other people. It's normal to catch up with what's going on in our country,'' said Paradorn who has officially retired from pro tennis. He has not been active on the circuit since March 2007 due to a serious wrist injury.

In later years he has still managed to make headlines. He joined the motorbike circuit, which led to several accidents, ran a restaurant and sold diet supplements for men.

When he announced the break-up with his Canadian wife (after keeping it a secret for more than a year), it seemed that might be his "last hurrah".

Today's press conference will gain strong media attention - but unlike the past, when only sports and entertainment correspondents showed up, this time those from political desks will be there too.