Thailand Establishes New Sports Ministry to Boost Regional Hub Status
Thailand's cabinet approved the creation of a new Sports Ministry on July 14, aimed at unifying sports policy and establishing the country as a regional sports hub through improved athlete development and industry growth.
Deputy Secretary-General Nathriya Thaveevongse revealed that the cabinet meeting on July 14, 2026, approved in principle the creation of a Sports Ministry, marking a significant step in reforming Thailand's public sports administration. The new ministry will enable unified, agile policy-making and sports development responsive to global changes and competition.
Thaveevongse explained that the Sports Ministry will streamline management across the entire sports ecosystem, from grassroots athlete development to elite and professional sports, while promoting sports science, innovation, and the sports industry as a driver of economic value and improved quality of life. A dedicated sports agency will accelerate planning, budget allocation, and inter-sector collaboration, allowing the country to develop a coherent long-term sports strategy, host international competitions, and establish Thailand as a regional sports hub.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is coordinating with relevant agencies to plan the transfer of functions, structure, staffing, budget, and assets according to good governance principles, ensuring continuity and no disruption to public services. Subsequent steps include drafting legislation and subordinate regulations while soliciting public input before parliamentary consideration, ensuring the ministry's establishment is thorough, transparent, and maximally beneficial to the country and its people.
