National Sports Development Fund Elevates Thai Sports Fund Management to International Standards
Thailand's National Sports Development Fund is upgrading its management systems to international standards through training workshops in Surat Thani, aiming to become a "strategic sports investment mechanism" that boosts athletic performanc
The National Sports Development Fund is accelerating the upgrade of Thai sports fund management systems to international standards, advancing reforms toward a 'strategic sports investment mechanism' through a second Self-Assessment workshop. Held in Surat Thani province for fund applicants, the initiative aims to create a 'strategic investment mechanism' for developing fund management systems that are efficient, transparent, and auditable while addressing long-term Thai sports development strategy.
The fund also seeks to establish systematic project monitoring and evaluation standards, maximize budget effectiveness for Thai sports, and drive sports economics, professional sports, and the sports industry as a new economic driver for the country. Surasak Keotjuntuk, Deputy Director of Sports Development at the Sports Authority of Thailand, stated that the fund is transitioning from a 'budget supporter' to a 'strategic sports investment mechanism' for the nation, comprehensively elevating Thai sports capabilities across competitive, economic, social, and human resource development dimensions.
"The second consecutive training workshop reflects our commitment to creating an efficient, transparent fund management system with measurable results," he said. "The fund has an important mission in strategic management to systematically enhance Thai sports performance, promote sports economics, develop sports personnel, create fair funding access, and reform digital database systems for effective decision-making."
The event also included a review of the National Sports Development Fund's strategic plans and operational plans for fiscal years 2027-2030 to coordinate efforts across all sectors of the Thai sports system. The fund has established nine key strategies covering elite sports development, professional sports, the sports industry, Muay Thai as a global brand, athlete and personnel development, and modernizing fund management systems.
The fund aims to develop Thai sports in alignment with government policy within four years to create economic value and enhance the nation's international image through popular sporting events and elevate Thai athletes' achievements in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and SEA Games. It targets medal wins at the LA 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and plans to promote Muay Thai's international ecosystem while providing fair and equitable fund access to sports associations under the Sports Authority of Thailand's oversight per the Thai Sports Act.
The fund expects to drive Thailand's sports industry economic value (Sport GDP) to approximately 218 billion baht by 2027. A special lecture by Suphannath Samneang, a project evaluation expert, addressed 'Self-Assessment: Progress Reporting and Project Self-Evaluation' for fund applicants.
