The 'Phuket Thai Chess Club' will host the first ever chess competition in Phuket at the On-On Hotel on Phang Nga road this weekend from 13-14 March.

Competitors will be playing for honour, prize money of 20,000 baht and a shiny trophy.

Anurak Tansiriroj, founder of the club said, “My friends and I have been playing this game for the last ten years and so set up the Phuket Thai Chess Club. Finally we are ready to host a competition here and fitting that it be in the oldest hotel in Phuket also.”

More than 30 competitors hailing from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok will be split between two categories; open and professional.

The youngest entrant is a six-year-old boy and the oldest a 70-year-old grandfather.

According to Khun Anurak who is also the MD of Phuket International Hospital, “This game is not only for old people but for the younger generations. It improves the way players think and can aid in staving off effects of Alzheimer's disease.”

Anyone interested in joining the competition should contact On-On Hotel on Phang Nga road or Khun Somyos at 087 8904361 before 9am on the 13 March. The fee is 100 baht.