Thailand Pushes New Sports Ministry, Law Expected Early Next Year
Thailand is establishing an independent Ministry of Sports and elevating its anti-doping agency to boost the country's sports industry and international competitiveness, with legislation expected by early next year.
Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed that following a meeting on Thai sports development and government restructuring, officials approved plans to establish an independent Ministry of Sports and merge tourism functions with the Ministry of Culture to improve administrative efficiency in sports and tourism management. The legal process is expected to be completed by late this year or early next year.
The creation of a dedicated Sports Ministry is viewed as a foundation for promoting Thailand's sports industry as an economic sector generating income and employment opportunities. This aligns with developing sports science, systematically training athletes, and ensuring youth access to sports, ultimately enhancing Thailand's competitive standing on the international stage.
Regarding sports standards oversight, the meeting approved elevating the anti-doping control agency to public organization status, enabling it to operate independently, transparently, and reduce conflicts of interest between oversight and competition management bodies. This will strengthen Thailand's anti-doping standards to meet international norms.
On youth boxer safety, the ministry and Thailand's sports authority prioritize child protection with standard safety equipment and regulations. Officials are consulting relevant agencies to balance boxing promotion with child protection, while planning to provide equipment and budget support to boxing camps to reduce financial burden and sustainably improve youth athlete safety.
