Pradpraan Appointed New Sports Authority Chief
Pradpraan Samamnit, a deputy director at the Sports Authority of Thailand, has been appointed as the new agency chief to replace Dr. Kongsakd Yodmany when his term expires September 30. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will recommend her
The Sports Authority of Thailand board held its fifth meeting of 2025 on August 19 and voted to appoint Pradpraan Samamnit, a deputy director overseeing professional and boxing sports, as the new director to replace Dr. Kongsakd Yodmany, whose term expires September 30. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will recommend her to the cabinet in early September.
Pimol Srivikrom, chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee, expressed strong congratulations, calling Pradpraan a highly suitable choice. He noted her long tenure as deputy director, comprehensive knowledge of all Sports Authority operations, and experience leading multiple departments. "I have worked with her and know she is skilled and capable. The Sports Authority's mission is demanding, so we must provide support and stand ready to cooperate fully from the Olympic Committee side," he said.
Budget allocation for sports federations remains a significant issue. The National Sports Development Fund has issued allocation criteria for different federation grades. Pimol stated he has discussed this with Deputy Prime Minister Somsakd Thongsri, who oversees sports policy, and Sports Minister Surasak Pancharerngvagul. Both confirmed the guidelines are provisional estimates with flexibility to exceed if circumstances warrant.
Outgoing director Dr. Kongsakd Yodmany congratulated Pradpraan, highlighting her seniority as the longest-serving deputy director with diverse experience across professional sports, boxing, strategy, information technology, and sports promotion. "I must ask her to continue several important matters, especially revising regulations related to National Sports Development Fund budgeting, coordination between the Sports Authority and the fund office, and public-private partnerships for stadium development," he said. He stressed that budget criteria for sports federations are provisional estimates under review, incorporating performance metrics from Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and Olympic potential assessments. "These figures are not final and allow for flexibility," he concluded.
