With the cold weather season now in the Northern Hemisphere, a good portion of airsoft player usually hibernate from playing, perhaps playing FPS video games from the confines of their homes. Or would try some games, but not often as they can as compared to the warmer seasons. They would wait out until the first signs of spring show and they would dust off their gun bags, put out their tactical gear out in the sun, oil and clean their airsoft guns to start another airsoft year.

Others dream of the warm sun how it gives us more motivation to play airsoft. For those who may want to travel to temporarily escape the cold weather and play airsoft may just want to took to Southeast Asia, in the Kingdom of Thailand, as our friends from the Thai airsoft community are busy preparing for what looks like to be their biggest airsoft in December 2013 --- the Thailand Airsoft Open.

To be held on the 14th and 15th of December at tClub 11 in Bangkok, near the old international airport, the Open to any airsoft player whether a local or from overseas. The Thailand Airsoft Open is comprised of three main events: The International SWAT Challenge, THASA Steel Challenge, and The Sniper Challenge. So it's a combination of individual skills through airsoft practical shooting, teamwork in the SWAT Challenge, and range and precision for the Sniper Challenge.

SWAT CHALLENGE

Teams of 5 can register for this event though in the actual game itself, only 4 can be in play with the 5th being in reserve. They can bring any airsoft gun or rent from the venue and should be properly kitted up with protective gear like goggles and gloves plus proper attire such as shirts, trousers, and footwear.

These are timed efforts and they will be shooting targets used in airsoft practical shooting but will not follow IPSC scoring style. Instead they have made a scoring system. Interested teams will need to contact the organisers for more information about the SWAT Challenge.

THASA STEEL CHALLENGE AND FUN SHOOT

There are tree mini-events that are being prepared by the Thailand Airsoft Shooting Association (THASA):

APS Fun Shoot - Airsoft Practical Shooting which is 4 to 5 stages USPSA Style. This will be handgun only and has Open, Standard, Junior, and Lady Divisions.

Mini Steel Challenge - Airsoft Practical Shooting 5 sting x 2 stages. This will have Handgun and Rifle challenges and Divisions for Handgun are Open, Standard, Junior, and Lady whilst for the Rifle it will be Open, Junior, and Lady.

Shoot-Off - We weren't able to get further details but there will be 1 medal for this category.

Interested shooters can contact THASA immediately for more details on rules and competition sections.

SNIPER CHALLENGE

Contestants will need to shoot 20 targets at various distances in under 2 minutes where the top 20 shooters will then proceed to the next day where they will go through three rounds where more shooters get eliminated until a winner is declared. This will be a points-based system.

Airsoft rifles to be used in this Challenge do not have FPS limits and shooters can use any BB weight with no metal or glass BBs allowed. Power source can be electric, gas or CO2.

Unfortunately for airsoft players expecting some skirmishes, we are not aware if anything is scheduled. Also, no participant should be under the influence of alcohol during the compettions.

But that's not all. There will be a trade fair to check some gear, airsoft and tactical, and perhaps other militaria collectibles. The Thailand Jeep Club will also be showing up and will parade their military vehicle collections.

Sponsor prizes with a total worth of THB400,000.00 (around US$12,500) await participants. This event's sponsors are Supreme Co., eHobby Asia, Game Guns, APS, RedWolf Airsoft, G&P, King Arms, TMC Tactical Gear, Dynamic Tactical, Classic Army, Spartan Airsoft, Bunny Workshop, and Angry Gun.

Already convinced that Thailand is the airsoft fun place next month? Then book your tickets and your hotels right away and of course contact the organisers to assure your slots. Plan even further as you can hit the fantastic beaches in the country after the event.