“Natt” fully supports the separation of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports, saying it is time for Thai sports to become a main driving force that builds the pride of Thais on the global stage and restores the spirit of Thai athletes.
On 11 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Natt Hongchuwech, former advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports and former list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, posted on Facebook regarding the Bhumjaithai Party's idea to separate the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports. Having been deeply involved in sports all his life, he confidently stated, “The sports sector must move forward.” In the past, “sports” was bundled with “tourism,” reducing sports to a supplementary activity to attract tourists. Most resources were poured into major events, while the most crucial foundations, such as “youth” and “community sports,” were neglected and became fragile.
Mr. Natt also explained why we must separate the “Ministry of Sports” as an independent entity: because developing “people” through sports is the most worthwhile investment for the nation. If we clearly separate the ministry, we can plan the “Thai sports pyramid” starting today. For example, at the village and subdistrict level, competitions shouldn’t be held just once a year; instead, there should be “24-hour sports grounds” staffed by volunteer sports leaders who oversee youth or community members interested in sports, ensuring safe play. This should be established at the district level. The “White Elephant Training Center” should be equipped with qualified coaches and standard equipment. Rather than relying on luck, a high-quality screening system should be used to seriously build a solid sports foundation.
He further proposed that at the provincial level, there should be an upgrade of “sports schools” to become true High-Performance centers with continuous year-round league systems, creating career pathways for athletes, coaches, and all parts of the sports industry. At the national level, emphasis should be placed on advanced “sports science” and promoting the “sports industry” systematically to generate huge revenue for the country, similar to the success achieved by Japan.
Therefore, from a practical standpoint, splitting the ministries is not a wasteful increase in budget as some believe, but rather a “breath of fresh air” for the spirit of Thai athletes and a long-term reduction in public health costs because healthier Thais will result. It is time for Thai sports to stop being just a “supporting act” and become a “main driving gear” in nation-building, discipline, and creating pride for Thais on the world stage! I wholeheartedly support the ministry split and the establishment of a Ministry of Sports for Thai people and youth.