Singapore – The 2025 badminton season has been grim for Indonesia, once hailed as a global powerhouse in the sport. As of the Singapore Open 2025—the 13th tournament in the BWF World Tour calendar—Indonesia has managed to secure only two titles, both from Super 300 events. This marks the country’s worst performance since the BWF World Tour was introduced in 2018.
Meanwhile, Thailand has emerged as a formidable new force in Southeast Asian badminton. With a growing reputation and a roster of rising stars, Thailand has claimed an impressive ten titles so far in the 2025 season—making them the third most successful country on the tour behind only China and South Korea. Their haul includes one Super 1000 title, two Super 750 titles, three Super 500 titles, three Super 300 titles, and a prestigious Asian Championships crown.
So far, Thailand’s success in the BWF World Tour spans four categories. They have secured victories in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Their latest triumphs came at the Singapore Open 2025, where the Mixed Doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran took the title, followed by Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s victory in the Men’s Singles final. These wins pushed Thailand’s World Tour title count to nine.
In stark contrast, Indonesia’s presence on the BWF World Tour has dwindled. No Indonesian representative reached the semifinals of the Singapore Open 2025, with the country’s best performances ending at the quarterfinal stage. This marks a third consecutive tournament where Indonesia has failed to reach the finals—a worrying trend for a country with such a storied badminton history.
The dramatic shift in fortunes has raised questions within the Indonesian badminton community, with calls for reflection and strategic change growing louder. As Thailand surges ahead with depth, youth, and consistency, Indonesia finds itself in unfamiliar territory—chasing from behind.
With major tournaments still ahead in the season, Indonesia will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage pride and avoid a historic low point in their badminton legacy.