Thailand now believe they are genuine contenders to host the inaugural World Beach Games in 2017 after successfully staging the Asian Beach Games in Phuket.
The hosts were on Sunday crowned overall winners with 56 gold medals — 40 more than second-placed China.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was pleased with the performances and the successful hosting of the Games and confirmed Thailand's intention to bid for the World Beach Games.
The Games also delivered a boost for the local economy. Kriengsak Suksomboon, president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, said that about 5,000 participants visited Phuket, representing a massive windfall during the 12-day tournament.
Thailand continued to dominate sepaktakraw, claiming gold in both the women's and men's beach regu events. For the Thai women, this was their third title; for the men, it was their fourth straight win.
The hosts suffered disappointment in the women's final of beach volleyball, with defending champions Varapatsorn Radarong and Tanarattha Udomchavee losing to Kazakh pair Tatyana Mashkova and Irina Tsimbalova of Kazakhstan.
"They deserved to win," Varapatsorn said. "They have improved a lot with the help of their Brazilian coach."
In the men's event, Prasetyo Kok and Ade Candra of Indonesia went on to win the gold.
In kabaddi, India won the women's gold medal while the men's title went to Iran.
The 5th Asian Beach Games will be held in Vietnam in 2016.