Thunakaert Reviews Direct Athlete Allowance Payments Following National Youth Games
The National Sports Development Fund is reviewing direct athlete allowance payments after testing the system at recent games in China and Thailand, where 99% of athletes reported satisfaction despite some logistical issues with bank account
Thunakaert Chanchum, manager of the National Sports Development Fund, announced preparations to compile feedback from all stakeholders regarding direct allowance transfers to athletes following the National Youth Games.
The initiative addresses ongoing issues with delayed athlete payments under the previous system. The National Sports Development Fund has begun testing a new payment distribution model by transferring allowances directly to athletes, starting with the 6th Asian Beach Games in China in April and the 41st National Youth Games in Suratthani Province between May 7-17. The new approach has received both support and opposition.
Chanchum revealed that 99 percent of athletes are highly satisfied with the direct transfer arrangement, as the previous problem involved payment delays caused by the multi-step system. This year's approach transfers funds directly to sports associations and athletes. For the Asian Beach Games, disbursements reached 100 percent. Among provincial sports associations representing roughly 13,000 people, 60-70 percent received their allocations in the first round. The remaining recipients faced minor issues such as unfamiliarity with online systems, incomplete documentation, or lack of association chairman approval—matters requiring further clarification.
Chanchum noted that other management aspects still raise questions. Some coaches face difficulties receiving transfers due to various factors including system verification problems, incorrect data entry preventing approval, or young athletes unable to open bank accounts due to banking restrictions. Some prefer the previous system of payments through sports associations.
When asked whether direct transfers would continue for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, the fund manager stated: "Ultimately, we need to reconsider the purpose and intent of allowances—who they're for and who should receive them, and what the benefits and drawbacks are. We're currently reviewing this matter and will present a comprehensive summary to the fund's board of directors by the end of May following the National Youth Games."
