The Prime Minister discussed with the President of the Olympic Council of Asia the advancement of youth sports promotion, using sports as a force to build peace, develop youth, and drive the economy.
At 14:20 on 25 April 2026, at the Purple Room, Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul during his visit to Thailand. The key points are summarized as follows.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed him, congratulated him on assuming the OCA presidency, and praised his leadership in strengthening the Olympic movement across Asia. Both sides agreed on the vital role of sports—not only in competition but also as a tool to foster unity, peace, youth development, and as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
The President of the Olympic Council of Asia expressed his pleasure in visiting Thailand and praised Thailand's role in promoting sports at all levels, especially youth development through sports, which helps build life skills, discipline, and good international understanding. He also emphasized OCA's readiness to cooperate with Thailand to expand opportunities for youth to access sports widely.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to using sports as a key tool to develop Thai youth in terms of potential, skills, and quality of life, alongside instilling Olympic values and building a peaceful society. He also pledged to promote Thailand as a regional sports development hub and an important platform for fostering international cooperation.
Both parties discussed cooperation under the OCA framework, focusing on youth development, creating opportunities to participate in regional and international sports activities, and using sports as a mechanism to strengthen international relations, promote peace, and leverage this toward long-term economic and tourism development. The OCA is ready to continuously support projects related to youth and sports development.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand have maintained a close relationship for many years. Thailand has played a significant role in the Asian sports arena through sending athletes to every major event, hosting competitions, and actively participating in OCA's administrative structure.
The discussion was also attended by Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry.