Consequently a new generation of Thai skaters has emerged, one who earnestly love and excel at the sport, and who can be supported by parents, sponsors, and authorities. Janechai Montrileartrasami, a.k.a. Jane (the skater who refused to belittle in-liners, even in jest) epitomizes this new breed of skateboarder. Off the course, he's a stereotypical Thai kid: friendly, modest, and polite. He even plays the piano at Sunday church! On his deck, he and his friend Min, are promising up and comers. Apichat has lined up a sponsor, Vans, who has selected kids like Jane and Min for its team, not because they are the most skilled, but because they have a good attitude, potential, self discipline, and determination. The Skating Association hopes to make a positive example out of these kids for the skateboarding community at large.

Apichat sees the Skating Association as an institution that specializes in bringing out the best in kids, and the success of the skaters in international competition was a welcome by-product. "Each year our kids were winning more and more, then our goal could not only be to provide good values and healthy life, we needed to help them pursue their sports excellence."

The results were impressive. At the second Asian X-Games, held in Phuket in 1999 in order to qualify Asian extreme sports athletes such as skateboarders, in-line skaters, and BMX riders for the World X-Games in the United States, Thai athletes showcased their skills. The international judges were so impressed by some of the Thai talent that they waived traditional requirements and offered three Thai in-line skaters the opportunity to compete on the pro-circuit in the US. One skater, Jeerasak Tassorn, traveled to the X-Games in San Antonio, Texas and stunned the in-line world by finishing 3rd in aggressive in-line park. Unfortunately, funding prevented the other two from competing in the states.

Nonetheless, there are alternative venues for Thai athletes to continue developing their competitive edge. Apichat, who additionally holds the position of Vice President of the Asian Extreme Sports Federation, has helped organize the Red Bull Extra Extreme Games Circuit. The biggest local extreme circuit in Asia, this 6 stop tour offers 1.3 million baht in prize money to extreme athletes around Thailand. The next stop in this year's tour will be in Pattaya, Septemeber 5-7 and culminates with a championship at the Red Bull Skate Park in Bangkok, November 29-30.

Meanwhile, Apichat and some senior athletes in the Skating Association are grooming the next generation of Thai skaters. With the dual aim of training Thailand's future X-gamers and promoting a healthy, alternative recreation for Bangkok's urban youths, instruction is provided to children as young as 5 years old, on the basics of in-line technique. This fall, the Skating Association hopes to continue their development of skateboarding by offering camps and clinics featuring professional skaters.

The Red Bull Skate Park is located on Sathorn Road, opposite Soi Convent and BNH Hospital. It is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, except on Tuesday. Admission is only 50 baht per day. In-line instruction is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30, Saturday and Sunday at 3:30. The cost is 2,400 baht for 20 hours of classes. On site facilities include a first aid room, shower, lockers, diner, coffee shop, and pro-shops.