Minister Surasak states there will be no reduction in the number of Thai athletes competing at the Asian Games in Japan. He is accelerating plans for training Thai athletes for the Youth Olympics in Senegal while continuing to fully support Thai athletes' potential.
On 13 July 2026, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired a meeting with the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand to discuss sending Thai athletes to the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, and the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. The goal was to ensure effective preparation and athlete participation. Attendees included Mr. Patsakorn Rangsivathansak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Thana Chaiprasit, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee under Royal Patronage; Mr. Thanukiat Janchum, Manager of the National Sports Development Fund; Mr. Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand for Elite Sports and Science; and sports media representatives.
Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “Regarding concerns from various sports associations about reducing athlete numbers or budget cuts, I was worried and thus called this meeting. Recent reports claimed reductions in athletes and officials for the 20th Asian Games in Japan and fewer training days for athletes at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Senegal due to budget cuts and delayed disbursements from the National Sports Development Fund. I want to confirm that these reports may be misunderstandings and do not reflect the actual operations of the agencies involved. Moving forward, there will be joint discussions among sports associations, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, and the National Olympic Committee to establish clear, standardized budget management and sports development guidelines that allow efficient, ongoing planning.”
The joint discussions revealed several issues needing detailed definition, especially regarding budget allocation. Previously, each sports association received varying support. Therefore, a fair, transparent, and auditable central guideline will be established, including clear KPIs and budget usage plans. This will align support with each association’s performance. Going forward, all parties will plan in advance so everyone understands the criteria for annual budget support, enabling sports associations to plan athlete development, organize competitions, and implement projects continuously.
The budget to support sending athletes to the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Japan, has been approved at 131 million baht. Additionally, three more sports have qualified to send athletes. The fund and Sports Authority have acknowledged this and assured the National Olympic Committee that all athletes and sports associations meeting the criteria will receive full budget support.
“I affirm that no athlete will be disqualified, reduced in number, or cut. Every athlete who meets the established criteria will receive support covering travel, per diems, accommodation, and related expenses, according to the previously agreed guidelines,” he said.
Another topic discussed was preparation for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, taking place in October, overlapping fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Despite this overlap, the Sports Authority confirmed that the 2027 budget has been fully prepared to support team preparation and athlete participation. Each sports association has been asked to finalize clear budget plans for activities in September and October to ensure continuous budget management.
All parties are assured that for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the National Sports Development Fund and the Sports Authority will jointly secure funding sources to fully support team preparation and competitions, preventing impacts on sports associations and athletes. In the long term, budget allocation restructuring for sports associations will be implemented to ensure continuous, efficient sports development aligned with budget constraints. Close planning will ensure budget users and managers have consistent information, reducing past operational issues.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Sports Authority of Thailand, National Sports Development Fund, National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and sports associations will collaboratively establish systematic directions for sports development and budget allocation to sustainably elevate Thai athlete development.