From World Championship Glory to Parliament Dreams: James Wattana’s Extraordinary Reinvention
James Wattana, one of snooker’s most influential international stars, has taken a dramatic turn in his life after stepping away from the sport to pursue a career in politics. Best known for his trailblazing success during the 1990s, the Thai icon is now preparing to run for public office in his home country, marking a striking new chapter after decades at the top level of snooker.
Wattana earned global recognition by competing toe-to-toe with the very best players of his generation. He reached the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship twice and collected eight ranking titles during a career that helped open doors for non-UK players on the professional tour. Among his most memorable achievements were victories over legends such as Steve Davis and Ronnie O’Sullivan. One of his most famous wins came at the Humo Masters in Belgium, where he defeated a young O’Sullivan shortly after the Englishman turned professional. Years later, Wattana again overcame O’Sullivan in the final of the Thailand Open, securing his final ranking title in front of a home crowd.
Beyond titles, Wattana made history in 1992 by recording the fastest maximum 147 break ever seen at the time, completing it in just over seven minutes at the British Open. The record stood for five years before O’Sullivan famously surpassed it. Over the course of his career, Wattana amassed more than £1 million in prize money and became a national celebrity in Thailand, appearing in major advertising campaigns and requiring security due to his popularity.
After gradually stepping away from professional competition, Wattana officially dropped off the tour in 2020. Now aged 50, he has set his sights on politics and is standing as a candidate for the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party in the country’s upcoming general election, scheduled for February 8. His move reflects a desire to take on a fresh challenge after life in sport.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has spoken warmly about Wattana’s impact, praising his fame and influence in Thailand and crediting him with helping to build the country’s strong snooker culture. That legacy continues today, with Thai players such as Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, Noppon Saengkham and Mink Nutcharut competing at the highest level. Wattana’s journey—from sporting pioneer to political hopeful—highlights the lasting impact of a man who reshaped snooker far beyond the table.
