Raphi Kanchanaraphi

Who was Raphi Kanchanaraphi?

Raphi Kanchanaraphi was a world-class badminton player who represented both Thailand and Canada in international competition, and won national doubles and mixed doubles titles in both countries. Known for his anticipation and racket control, Kanchanaraphi was one of a cadre of fine Thai doubles players who helped Thailand to strongly contend for the Thomas Cup in both 1961 and 1964. In partnership with Narong Bhornchima, Kanchanaraphi won 15 of his 18 Thomas Cup doubles matches in those two seasons, the wins including both of his doubles matches against Indonesia in the 1961 Challenge Round. Kanchanaraphi and Bhornchima were men's doubles runners-up in the prestigious All-England Championships in 1962, narrowly losing to the famous Danes Finn Kobbero and Jorgen Hammergaard Hansen. In 1969 Kanchanaraphi migrated to Canada where he won more titles, and competed in the Thomas Cup campaigns of 1973 and 1976 for Canada with former Thai teammate Channarong Ratanaseangsuang.