Deputy PM Stresses Sports Fund's Role Beyond Prize Money
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri highlighted the National Sports Development Fund’s broader role in building opportunities and a sustainable future for Thai sports, surpassing the focus on prize money. The government distributed over 236 million baht in rewards to athletes, coaches, and associations for Thailand’s 52‑medal haul at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, including a special 800,000‑baht award to sprinter Phuripat Bunson. He stressed that the fund supports athlete preparation, coaching development, sports science, and event hosting to strengthen Thailand’s sports system long‑term.
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri stressed that the National Sports Development Fund’s role extends beyond prize money, focusing on creating opportunities and a sustainable future for Thai sports. The government awarded over 236.6 million baht in prize money to Thai athletes, coaches, and sports associations for their performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan. The distribution included 165.5 million baht for athletes, 27.05 million for coaches, and 44.05 million for associations, plus an additional 800,000 baht special award to sprinter Phuripat Bunson, who won two golds and one silver and broke the men’s 100‑ and 200‑meter records. Thailand’s delegation secured 52 medals—18 gold, 13 silver, and 21 bronze—finishing seventh in Asia and first in ASEAN. Songsak emphasized that the fund is a vital mechanism for developing athletes from preparation to international competition, supporting coaching development, applying sports science, and backing events that raise national standards. He noted that while cash rewards recognize sacrifice and success, the fund’s continuous support—from the start of training to achieving international acclaim—is equally important for building a strong sports system in Thailand.
