Thailand celebrated its most glittering day so far at the 16th Asian Games on Saturday, winning six gold medals - in sailing, sepak takraw and taekwondo.

Having won only one title in the first seven days, Thailand's gold medal tally is now seven with six days to go. The kingdom is targeting 16 gold medals.

The Thai winners on Saturday included the sailing pair of Dumrongsak Vongtim and Kitsada Vongtim in the men's Hobie 16.

It was a special birthday gift for Kitsada, who turned 28 on Saturday.

"It is a special occasion to win gold, but to win gold on your birthday is more special. I can hardly believe it," Kitsada said.

"It is also a gift for my one-month-old son," he said.

In sepak takraw, the Thai men had few problems in their 2-0 win over archrivals Malaysia in the final to clinch their fourth consecutive gold. Thailand coach Kamol Tankimhong said: "Malaysia was a good team but we had natural instinct."

In taekwondo, Chutchawal defeated Korea's Kim Seong-ho 8-6 in the men's 54kg final.

Chutchawal is a volunteer at the Ruamkatanyu Charity Rescue Foundation. He thanked his friends at the foundation for setting up a club to cheer him.

- Bangkok Post