Hopes to end the 900 baht allowance, currently deducted to 600, as “Big Phimon" plans to request an increase in SEA Games allowances and prize money that have not risen in 15 years.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, “Big Phimon" remains committed to requesting an increase in training allowances and bonus prize money for the SEA Games team, planning to submit the proposal to the new government for approval. He emphasized that the current rates have been unchanged for over 15 years despite rising living costs. He affirmed that Thai athletes deserve honor, dignity, and proper care, and expressed great satisfaction with the improved performance of athletes in the 33rd SEA Games across 40 sports.
Assoc. Prof. Phimon Sriwikrom, Chair of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand under royal patronage, commented on the overall performance of Thai athletes at the 33rd SEA Games. He said the results were very encouraging, with Thai athletes in 40 out of 50 sports showing higher levels of development and winning more gold medals than in the previous SEA Games. This achievement is very impressive.
The Chair of the Thai Olympic Committee added that he will push to propose to the new government an increase in the training allowance for national athletes, currently 900 baht per day, which has not increased for 15 years. Of this 900 baht, 300 baht is deducted for accommodation and the rest for food. Since living and food costs have risen since 15 years ago, he aims to raise the allowance to 1,200 baht per day, which would be better than the unchanged rate athletes have received for the past 15 years.
"Besides the training allowance, I am also working on increasing the SEA Games athletes' bonus prize money. The current rates have remained fixed for a long time and are relatively low compared to the Asian Games. I want to raise the gold medal prize from 300,000 to 500,000 baht, silver from 150,000 to 300,000 baht, and bronze from 75,000 to 150,000 baht."
"Because athletes dedicate their time to training and representing the country, they deserve good care, honor, and dignity, along with allowances and prize money that are appropriate and reflect the current economic situation and cost of living," Assoc. Prof. Phimon said.