Thailand Authority Praises 18 Asian Games Golds, Targets LA 2028
Thailand's Sports Authority praised the 18 gold medals won at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, calling them high-quality and highlighting standout performances by sprinter Biew Phuriplu Bunson and badminton player Vu Kulwutt Wititsant, who are aiming for the LA 2028 Olympics. Thailand finished seventh overall and first among ASEAN nations, exceeding its target of at least 15 gold medals. The authority said prize money will be distributed within a week and plans are in place to prepare athletes for the next Olympic Games.
Pradporn Samanmitr said the Sports Authority of Thailand had set a target of at least 15 gold medals together with sports associations, and the actual 18 gold surpassed that goal. One standout athlete is Biew Phuriplu Bunson, a national track and field star who won two gold medals in the 100m and 200m races, breaking Asian Games records in both events and earning the male MVP award. Meanwhile, Vu Kulwutt Wititsant made history by winning Thailand's first ever Asian Games gold in men's singles badminton. Sophia Gael Montgomery also secured gold in the ILCA6 sailing event and earned a quota spot for the LA 2028 Olympics.
"The 18 gold medals earned by the Thai team are of high quality, each medal and competition bringing joy to Thai sports fans even as the country grapples with flooding in many areas. For sports that fell short of targets, analyses will be conducted to identify causes and improve for future competitions. The SAT has prepared a plan to guide athletes toward the LA 2028 Olympics. Prize money will be awarded from the National Sports Development Fund to athletes, coaches, and sports associations within seven days after the competition concludes."
The 20th Asian Games ran from September 19 to October 4, 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. Thailand sent 694 athletes competing in 43 sports across 307 events out of 469 total, earning 18 gold, 13 silver, and 21 bronze medals, exceeding the minimum target of 15 gold. In events with records, Thai athletes broke 22 records out of 69 contested, improved in 28 events, and 153 athletes won medals, representing 22.05% of the team. Among first-time Asian Games participants, 355 athletes competed, with 61 winning medals, or 17.18%.
The 18 gold medals came from athletics (3), teqball (3), sepak takraw (2), sailing (2), badminton (1), beach volleyball (1), boxing (1), equestrian (1), esports (1), jujutsu (1), mixed martial arts (1), and taekwondo (1).
