On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the beachfront of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort became the stage for the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental – B.Grimm Beach Polo 2025. Organized by B.Grimm, in collaboration with Proud Group, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, and Bluport Hua Hin, this prestigious tournament marked its 14th year, continuing its legacy as the largest and only beach polo tournament in Asia.
Held under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the event was not just a showcase of sport but also a meaningful effort to support the Kamlangjai Project, an initiative established by Her Royal Highness. The project focuses on providing incarcerated individuals with vocational training, sports education, and tools to reintegrate into society, making the tournament a symbol of both elegance and philanthropy.
Hua Hin, with its stunning coastal landscape and rich equestrian traditions, was once again the perfect host for this world-class event. Its wide sandy beaches, perfect for competitive polo, make it an ideal destination in Thailand to host such a prestigious tournament. The tournament also highlights the region’s unique horse-riding culture, which has long been one of Hua Hin’s signature attractions.
A Sporting Spectacle
The InterContinental – B.Grimm Beach Polo 2025 brought together international teams from Thailand, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Germany, competing for the coveted Princess Pa’s Cup. Each team demonstrated incredible skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with high-paced matches on the sandy arena. Ultimately, Hong Kong emerged as the champion of the tournament, with Thailand securing second place, Germany finishing third, and Belgium taking fourth.
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm and President of the Thailand Equestrian Federation, spoke about the uniqueness of beach polo and the challenges involved in organizing the event. He emphasized the importance of timing the tides to ensure the sandy beach was at its optimal condition for competition. Reflecting on the tournament’s significance, he highlighted how beach polo not only showcases Thailand’s capacity to host international equestrian events but also brings together global enthusiasts in support of a noble cause.
A Celebration of Hua Hin
The tournament also played a vital role in promoting Hua Hin as one of Thailand’s most vibrant tourist destinations. According to Khun Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Group and the driving force behind Hua Hin’s premier lifestyle destinations—including InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Vana Nava Water Jungle, and Arena Hua Hin, Hua Hin experienced remarkable growth in 2024, generating over THB 42 billion in tourism revenue and welcoming more than 11.14 million visitors, particularly from China and South Korea. As 2025 unfolds, hotel occupancy rates in the area are expected to reach 80-90%, bolstered by events like the beach polo tournament, which elevate the region’s cultural and sporting profile.
Hua Hin’s role as host was further enhanced by the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, which has been a key partner in the tournament’s ongoing success. This year, the resort unveiled its newly renovated beachfront wing, offering upgraded accommodations, enhanced facilities, and nine exceptional dining venues. These refinements ensured that attendees enjoyed a luxurious and immersive experience during their stay.
More Than a Polo Tournament
While the matches were the centerpiece of the day, the event provided much more than just thrilling sporting action. Guests were treated to a range of activities and entertainment, beginning with a charity fashion show on horseback, which featured celebrated models and celebrity participants. The fashion show added an extra layer of glamour to the event while raising funds for the Kamlangjai Project.
Attendees sampled gourmet food and beverages from a variety of stalls, explored interactive sponsor booths, and enjoyed the lively social atmosphere that has become synonymous with this prestigious event. As the day transitioned into evening, the excitement gave way to a more relaxed celebration at the Sea Breeze Garden Party, on the grass lawn of the InterContinental Hua Hin where guests gathered to toast the tournament’s success.
The festivities culminated in a spectacular concert by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) in collaboration with Fivera. Their performance provided a mesmerizing blend of classical and contemporary music, leaving the audience in awe and marking a grand finale to an extraordinary day.
Another key highlight of the event was the auction and silent auction, where rare items and exclusive experiences were bid on by attendees. All proceeds from the auctions were donated to the Kamlangjai Project, ensuring that the tournament’s philanthropic mission remained at the forefront of the celebration.
Continuing a Legacy
The Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental – B.Grimm Beach Polo 2025 has firmly established itself as a hallmark of Asia’s sporting and social calendar. With its combination of thrilling polo matches, charitable purpose, and luxurious setting, the event continues to draw both local and international attention. It also serves as a platform to promote Thailand’s polo sport to a global audience while showcasing Hua Hin’s unique appeal as a destination.
As the sun set over the stunning sands of Hua Hin, the event left attendees with lasting memories of world-class sport, meaningful philanthropy, and vibrant festivities. The InterContinental – B.Grimm Beach Polo Tournament remains a shining example of how sport can unite people for a greater cause, ensuring its place as one of Thailand’s most anticipated annual events.
Photos courtesy of the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club & Sunya Yamaka