Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has lauded Ratchanok Intanon and Kunlavut Vitidsarn for bringing the country success in a time of mourning.
The prime minister thanked the two badminton players for making all Thais proud and for their determination in using the inspiration of the late King Bhumibol to fight their way to success, government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkumnerd said on Monday.
Ratchanok beat defending title holder Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 14-21, 21-15, 21-19 to win the Denmark Open in Odense on Sunday.
The world No 9 impressed everyone with her gritty performance, scoring five consecutive points to win the decider after trailing the Japanese 16-19. Nong May performed a krab in a show of respect for the late King after her victory, to applause from the spectators.
On the same day, Kulavat defeated Jun Ho Leong of Malaysia 17-21, 21-15, 21-9 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to become the first male shuttler from Thailand to win the BWF World Junior Championship.