Thai Disabled Sports Association Chair Announces Bid for ASEAN Disabled Federation Presidency

Maitri Kongruang, chairman of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, has announced his readiness to compete for the position of ASEAN Para Sports Federation president, emphasizing transparency and cooperation among all member nations while proposing to establish a major ASEAN training center using the "Nakhon Ratchasima Model."

The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) is preparing to hold its 2026 annual general meeting on June 6 in Solo, Indonesia. The main agenda is to elect a new president and executive committee for the 2026-2030 term to replace current APSF President Lieutenant General Oasathorn Pavailly, whose second term (2022-2026) is ending.

Two candidates are competing for the position: Maitri Kongruang, vice-chair of Thailand's Paralympic Committee and chairman of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, and Senny Marbun, chair of Indonesia's National Paralympic Committee.

Recently, Maitri Kongruang revealed his preparations and expressed gratitude to all parties for trusting him to represent Thailand in this bid for the ASEAN federation presidency. He has traveled to member countries throughout ASEAN to present his plans and policies, explaining what changes he hopes to implement and which existing strengths he wants to develop further. He noted that many nations have received and understood his proposals well.

Meanwhile, the Thai association chairman acknowledged some concern about managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously at both the ASEAN and Thai levels, but stated that if trusted by member nations, he would work diligently and do his best to advance all initiatives. He also noted that even if not elected, the candidacy would serve to raise awareness of Thai disabled sports administration among ASEAN members for future cooperation.

Maitri Kongruang's platform as a candidate for ASEAN Para Federation president is built on four main policies:

1. Organizational reform by increasing participation from all 11 member nations, allowing each country to contribute team members and committee representatives to the federation to ensure transparency. 2. Introduce technology for clearer coordination and communication. 3. Establish an ASEAN para-athlete training center using the Nakhon Ratchasima model, which is Thailand's primary training facility and has previously hosted the ASEAN Para Games. Additionally, allow member nations with excellence in specific sports to establish sport-specific federations in their countries—for example, Indonesia, known for badminton, could host the ASEAN Badminton Para Federation headquarters. 4. Promote hosting of ASEAN Youth Para Games to expand international competition platforms and serve as a venue for discovering young athletes to supplement senior athletes in the future.

After the new APSF president and executive committee are elected on June 6, 2026, concrete results from the implemented policies and work must be visible within 120 days. Therefore, the new ASEAN Para Federation president and team will face the critical task of rapidly implementing these initiatives and gaining acceptance throughout ASEAN.