National Sports Fund Adds 1 Million Baht per Thai League 3 Club
The National Sports Development Fund will provide 1 million baht to each of the 69 Thai League 3 clubs for the 2026-27 season, supplementing the Football Association of Thailand's existing 1 million baht support. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and FA Thailand President Nualphan Lamsam signed the agreement on November 5. Clubs can claim 70 percent upfront and the remainder after the season, bringing total assistance to 2 million baht per club.
Thai League 3 clubs are celebrating after the National Sports Development Fund agreed to provide 1 million baht per club in additional support beyond the Football Association of Thailand's existing funding. On November 5 at the Grand Four Wings Hotel, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, alongside FA Thailand President Nualphan "Madam Pang" Lamsam, held a press conference to sign an MOU supporting professional Thai League 3 football clubs for the 2026-27 season at 1 million baht per team. Surasak stated the government prioritizes continuous sports development, pushing youth initiatives like the Prime Minister's Youth Cup in volleyball and football. He emphasized that Thai League 3, as a regional professional league, serves as a crucial foundation for youth footballers; without it, local children would lack playing opportunities. Discussions with the Football Association and the National Sports Development Fund led to this cooperation project. Surasak noted they initially wanted to distribute funds directly through the Football Association to simplify disbursement, but fund regulations required a project-based approach where clubs submit documentation to claim support. Clubs with complete paperwork can immediately claim up to 70 percent (700,000 baht), with the remaining 300,000 baht paid after the season ends. Combined with the Football Association's existing 1 million baht support, each Thai League 3 club will receive 2 million baht total this year. While not a massive sum, Surasak — drawing on his experience managing a football team — said it will significantly help clubs. He urged all clubs to cooperate fully with the project to secure funds for their operations. The 2026-27 Thai League 3 season features 69 clubs across six zones, meaning the collaboration will utilize 69 million baht from the National Sports Development Fund.
