Surasak, Minister of Tourism and Sports, awarded scholarships to athletes for the year 2026, emphasizing the government's focus on "investing in people" as a crucial foundation for developing Thai sports. He sent encouragement and praised all athletes for sacrificing their personal lives to bring honor to the country.
4 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided over the opening of the orientation training for athletes and sports personnel who received scholarships from the Sports Development Fund for the fiscal year 2026 at The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel.
Mr. Surasak opened the event and emphasized the importance of educational welfare, stating that the fund’s scholarships serve as a strategic mechanism to elevate and establish long-term stability for athletes. This support is not merely free tuition but an "investment in people," which represents the most vital force driving the advancement and sustainable growth of Thailand’s sports system both on and off the field. He also expressed deep appreciation and understanding of the athletes’ life journeys.
"The government and the ministry fully recognize that becoming a provincial or national representative athlete requires sacrificing time and opportunities to live a normal life like others. Athletes must be away from their families to dedicate themselves to training camps and competitions. I want to encourage everyone who is committed to this role wholeheartedly, because you not only bring honor to the country but also serve as inspiration and a powerful force for the youth across the nation."
At the conclusion, Mr. Surasak offered important advice to the athletes and sports personnel who received scholarships, urging them to be good role models for future generations of athletes. He stressed that the key to sustaining this path firmly is discipline, patience, and determination. He encouraged everyone to maintain these qualities alongside personal development, especially in education, to ensure life stability and create a sustainable career even after retiring from competition.