A World Snooker delegation recently visited the Hi-End Club in Thailand ©World Snooker

World Snooker has claimed the growing number of official academies continues to raise the standard of snooker facilities all over the world.

During their visit to the recent SangSom Six Red World Championship in Thailand both World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson and vice-chairman Nigel Mawer visited the Hi-End Club.

The venue boasts several tables fitted to professional standards, with tournament quality lighting and elite talent.

“The Hi-End club in Thailand is a shining example of a smoke-free, safe and clean environment where athletes can practise snooker at the highest level,” said Ferguson.

“When we launched our first International Snooker Academy in Bangkok back in 2011 we did so with the goal of promoting the growth of snooker in the region and boosting the development of snooker at all levels. 

"To now see new facilities such as Hi-End supporting the work that we are doing is exactly what we want to see.”

Thailand's former world number three James Wattana has recently moved into club ownership, with the launch of the World Class Snooker Club.

Michael Holt, left, and Stuart Bingham, right, with owner James Wattana at the World Class Snooker Club ©World Snooker
Michael Holt, left, and Stuart Bingham, right, with owner James Wattana at the World Class Snooker Club ©World Snooker

Former professional snooker player Ferguson has also been to see Wattana's club in recent days.

“It is always great to see James, an old friend and one of the finest players in the world during my own playing career,” added Ferguson. 

“It is fantastic to see someone as well respected and who has already made such a significant contribution to snooker in Asia as James has, now putting even more back into the game in this way.

“The facilities at both clubs that I have visited this week in Thailand are absolutely top class and the perfect environment for any aspiring player to train and improve their game. 

"It is also important to see high quality snooker coaches available on site, including former professional Dechawat Poomjaeng who can help players to improve their game.”

The Sangsom Six Red World Championship was won by former world number one Mark Williams, his fourth world title having twice won the professional World Championship and most recently the World Seniors Championship in 2015.

SangSom has sponsored the event since its inception back in 2008 and have also supported a number of current and former Thai professionals in recent years.