NAY PYI TAWJirapong Meenapra completed a sprint double yesterday with his win in the men's 200m.
Jirapong Meenapra celebrates his 200m win with Usain Bolt’s bow and arrow pose. PHOTOS BY PATIPAT JANTHONG
Having won the 100m title a day earlier, the Surat Thani star crossed the line in 21.29sec to beat Harith Ammar Sobri of Malaysia (21.46) and Trong Hinh Le of Vietnam (21.47).
It was Thailand's first triumph in the men's 200m in eight years with Sitthichai Suworapratheep achieving the feat in 2005.
Jirapong had also won the 4x100m relay title, making him the first Thai to claim three gold medals in athletics in one SEA Games since Rienchai Sihawong in 2001.
''Actually, I targeted only two gold medals. I only hoped for a top-three finish in the 200m,'' said Jirapong who celebrated the victory with Jaimaican sprinter Usain Bolt's trademark bow and arrow pose.
''My gold medals are a New Year present for all Thais.''
Malaysia’s taekwondo coach Lee Min-Hee.
In the women's 200m, Neeranuch Klomdee took silver in 24.02sec behind champion Thi Huong Vu of Vietnam who crossed the line in 23.55sec.
The Vietnamese also beat Neeranuch in the 100m on Tuesday.
In the women's javelin throw, Saowalak Pettong and Natta Nachan won gold and silver respectively.
Wassana Winatho, who had got two golds in the women's 400m hurdles and heptathlon, competed in the long jump although she was not fully fit, and finished sixth.
With one day to go in track and field, Thailand have won 13 gold medals _ one short of their target.
In volleyball, Asian champions Thailand defeated hosts Myanmar 25-11, 25-6, 25-9 in the women's event.
Thailand have not yet dropped a set in three matches. They have booked a final place against Vietnam on Saturday although the nine-time champions Thais still have to play their last preliminary match against Indonesia today.
In snooker, Issara Kachaiwong won the singles title after beating Myanmar's Win Ko Ko 4-1 in the final.
In judo, Pongthep Thumrongluk and Sa-ngob Siripongphan won gold in the men's nage-no-kata competition while Pitima Taweeratanasil and Juthathip Bumpenboon retained the women's ju-no-kata title.
Saowalak Pettong won gold medal in the women’s javelin throw.