Snooker Association Slams SAT for Approving Events but Denying Funds, Leaving 25 Million Baht in Debt—Deputy Director Promises Immediate Resolution

Sunthon Charumchai, chairman of the Billiards Association of Thailand, disclosed that the organization has struggled significantly with budget constraints over the past two years, resulting in a 25 million baht deficit. The core problem is that the Sports Authority of Thailand approved the organization to host national championship tournaments but refused to release funds after the events concluded, forcing Charumchai to use his own resources to keep the association afloat.

"For 30 years, we've continuously organized national championships, submitting approval requests a year in advance," Charumchai explained. "These include six-ball snooker, women's snooker, youth snooker, and pool championships. We received approval for all of them, but when it came time to withdraw funds, we were told there was no budget. Over the past two years alone, without receiving a single baht in funding while spending 7-8 million baht annually—totaling over 10 million across two years—our account is now 25 million in the red. While other deputy directors have provided partial support and we've sought sponsors to minimize losses, I've had to lend my personal funds to the association and even sold assets to prevent it from going bankrupt during my tenure."

Preecha Lalun, deputy director of SAT's sports excellence division, responded that he had already discussed the issue with Charumchai. SAT has submitted a proposal to the National Sports Development Fund for additional budget allocation, and snooker is included on the priority list. Once the fund approves the request, snooker will receive immediate financial support along with other sports in urgent need.