Buoban Pamang, left, and Attasit Mahitti pose with their awards.

Attasit, Buoban win the Amateur titles, with Naruemon adjudged the top Team Manager

Speed racer Ratthapark Wilairot, cueist Attasit Mahitti and javelin thrower Buoban Pamang shared the limelight at the Best Athletes Awards ceremony held yesterday at the Royal Thai Army Club.

The MotoGP rider, who finished 13th in the 250cc category last season, took home the best Professional Athlete award and the honourable trophy of His Majesty the King, while the 2007 World Amateur snooker champion Attasit was named the best Male Amateur Athlete and Buoban, the Asian Games and three-time SEA Games champion, the best Female Amateur.

Presided over by Olympic Committee of Thailand president General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, the ceremony was organised by the Sport Reporters Association of Thailand, which celebrated its 50th anniversary.

"Madame Mon", or Naruemon Siriwat, manager of the women's football team, was declared the best Team Manager. Her 2007 SEA Games squad was also named the best Female Team, while the award in the men's category went to the 2007 SEA Games futsal team.

The best Sports Association award went to the Snooker Association of Thailand, while Chon Buri FC coach Jadet Meelarp was adjudged the best Professional Coach.

Other award winners: Best Thai Kick Boxer: Wutthidech Lookprabath; Best Male Junior: Chatchawarn Khaola-or (taekwondo); Best Female Junior: Thanyaluck Chotiphaiboonsilp (shooting); Best Amateur Sport Coach: Maj-General Supanat Ariyamongkol (athletics); Best Male Handicapped Athlete: Pichet Krungkate (wheelchair racing); and, Best Female Handicapped Athlete: Saisunee Jana (wheelchair fencing).