Thai Disabled Sports Association President Declares Candidacy for ASEAN Disabled Federation Leadership

Maitree Kongueang, president of the Thai Disabled Sports Association and vice chair of Thailand's Paralympic Committee, has declared his candidacy for the ASEAN Disabled Sports Federation (APSF) presidency. The election will take place during the federation's 2026 annual general meeting on June 6 in Solo, Indonesia, to select new leadership for the 2026-2030 term. Kongueang faces one other candidate: Senni Marbun, chair of Indonesia's National Paralympic Committee.

Kongueang expressed his readiness for the role and thanked all parties for their trust in representing Thailand. He has already visited various ASEAN member nations to present his policy platform and vision for the federation. Despite admitting some concern about managing multiple responsibilities at both the ASEAN and Thai national levels, he committed to working at full capacity if elected, or to building goodwill for Thai disabled sports if unsuccessful.

Kongueang's four core policies include: (1) organizational reform to increase participation from all 11 member nations in federation committees to enhance transparency; (2) implementing technology for clearer coordination; (3) establishing an ASEAN disabled sports training center in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, modeled on Thailand's existing facility, while allowing specialized sports associations to establish headquarters in their respective countries of excellence; and (4) promoting ASEAN Youth Games to create more international competition platforms and talent pathways for emerging athletes.