Who Is James Wattana? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, James Wattana is 55 years old. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, he burst onto the professional snooker scene in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the top players in the world. With a career spanning over three decades, Wattana is celebrated not only for his remarkable talent but also for his dedication to the sport. He became the first Thai player to achieve significant success in snooker, paving the way for future generations of players from his home country.
| Occupation | Snooker Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Thailand |
Popularity
James Wattana's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
James Wattana stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a weight of approximately 180 lbs (82 kg). His athletic build reflects his competitive nature and lifelong commitment to physical fitness, a vital component of a professional snooker player's lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In the realm of personal relationships, James Wattana has kept his life relatively private. As of 2025, there are no public records of him being in a serious relationship; however, his past relationships and dating experiences have piqued the interest of snooker fans around the globe. He values his family and often shares glimpses of his loved ones on social media, demonstrating the importance of family in his life.
Back in Thailand, Wattana is known as "Tong Sit Choi" (Thai: ต๋อง ศิษย์ฉ่อย, roughly "Tong, Disciple of Choi") a nickname which he got by winning a local youth tournament at the age of 14. "Choi" is from "Choi Susas" (Thai: ฉ่อย ซู่ซ่าส์), the nickname of Wattana's father and mentor Kowin Pu-Ob-Orm.
Net Worth and Salary
James Wattana's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $5 million. Throughout his career, he has earned a significant income through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements. Despite facing ups and downs in his competitive journey, he has made wise financial choices, contributing to his wealth and stability in his post-snooker career.
Career, Business, and Investments
Wattana's snooker career was highlighted by multiple tournament wins, including three Asian titles and various accolades in the UK and European tournaments. After his professional playing days, he transitioned into snooker coaching and commentary, where he continues to influence the sport. Additionally, Wattana has invested in businesses in Thailand, focusing on sports-related enterprises and educational initiatives to nurture young talent in snooker.
A professional between 1989 and 2008, and from 2009 to 2020, Wattana reached his highest ranking position – world number 3 – for the 1994–95 season. He has won three ranking tournaments, the 1992 Strachan Open and the Thailand Open in 1994 and 1995, and has finished as the runner-up in a further five ranking events.
He twice reached the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship, in 1993 and 1997. When he was defeated in the semi-finals in 1993 by Jimmy White, it was only Wattana's second appearance in the final televised stages at the Crucible Theatre, his first being the previous year when he lost in the second round to the eventual winner Stephen Hendry.
Social Network
In the digital age, James Wattana has embraced social media, where he interacts with fans and shares insights from his life. As of 2025, he has a growing presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he showcases his daily activities, promotes snooker events, and engages with aspiring players. He has cultivated a loyal following, turning him into a respected figure within the sports community.
With the help of his PR team fronted by Yorkshire business tycoon Ed Clark, Wattana's success caught the imagination of the Thai public, and he became the most admired sportsman in his home country.
He helped raise the profile of the game in the Far East, and has been followed into the game by many players from Thailand, Hong Kong, and China, the most successful being Marco Fu and Ding Junhui.
He is a Commander Third Class of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, only the second sportsman to receive the country's most prestigious civilian honour.
Education
James Wattana's educational journey includes training in various facets of snooker from a young age. While specific details about his formal education remain limited, his dedication to improving his game and understanding the complexities of snooker reflect his commitment to lifelong learning. In recent years, he has also been involved in educational programs in Thailand, aiming to inspire and train the next generation of snooker players.
