Bangkok, Thailand – Malaysia wrapped up a memorable campaign at the 2025 Thailand Open with a double gold celebration as both men’s and women’s doubles pairs brought home titles in a landmark finish for the country’s badminton program.
Just hours after Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s pair to win the Thailand Open since its inception in 1984, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik followed suit by capturing the men’s doubles crown.
Watch highlights of Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik vs. William Kryger Boe/Christian Faust Kjaer in the final:
The world No. 5 pair fought back from a set down to defeat Denmark’s William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer in an intense final that lasted 60 minutes. The final scoreline: 20-22, 21-17, 21-12.
With the win, Aaron and Wooi Yik secured their second title of the year, having previously won the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships. This also marks their third BWF World Tour title, adding to their 2023 Denmark Open and 2024 Korea Masters triumphs.
Their victory also ends Malaysia’s 16-year drought in men’s doubles at the Thailand Open — the last pair to win was Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah in 2009.
Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, known as the “Fire Dragon,” the Malaysian duo has experienced a resurgence in form. Since February, the Indonesian coach has helped elevate their consistency and confidence, and now, their trophy haul.
Speaking to the BWF, Aaron said:
“We’re thrilled with this win. We had a slow start in the tournament but improved each day. This title means a lot — not just for rankings, but for our coach and team.”
He also stressed the importance of chemistry:
“The comeback in the third set was all about trust. We backed each other up, especially when things got tough.”
Wooi Yik praised the young Danish pair:
“They’re strong, and we respect them. We’ve been in their position before. But today, we wanted to show our coach that we can rise to the challenge — and we did.”
As champions, they walk away with $37,525 USD in prize money.
Elsewhere, in men’s singles, local hero Kunlavut Vitidsarn, seeded No. 1, thrilled the home crowd with a hard-fought win over No. 2 seed Anders Antonsen, 21-16, 17-21, 21-9.
