Thailand warmly welcomes foreign athletes participating in the ASEAN Para Games, boosting energy to reclaim the top gold medal. The Sports Authority of Thailand guarantees immediate prize money payments upon winning.
Teams of para-athletes from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines have gradually arrived in Thailand, preparing to join the 13th ASEAN Para Games held from 20 to 26 January 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), joined in welcoming and fully facilitating all countries' athletes, while energizing the Thai team to reclaim the top gold medal. Prize money from the National Sports Development Fund will be paid promptly after the competition.
Thailand's preparations as host of the 13th ASEAN Para Games from 20 to 26 January 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima Province are underway. On 15 January 2026, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, welcomed athletes from Malaysia and Myanmar at Don Mueang Airport before their onward journey to Nakhon Ratchasima.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee said today marks the arrival of ASEAN countries’ para-athletes including Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are arriving in large groups, so the reception differs from previous SEA Games. We have facilitated all athletes from immigration through to accommodation in Nakhon Ratchasima to ensure maximum comfort. So far, there are no issues of concern. Hosting the event in Nakhon Ratchasima builds strong confidence in delivering a high-standard competition, as the province regularly hosts events for athletes with disabilities.
The SAT Governor added that Thai para-athletes aim to secure the top gold medal position once again, having held the title six times previously, most recently at the 8th ASEAN Para Games in Singapore in 2015. However, they will not underestimate Indonesia, which has been strong, winning gold in the last three editions, nor Vietnam and Malaysia, who are also formidable competitors.
“We invite sports fans to watch and cheer for Thai athletes and other participating nations during 20-26 January. We believe the competition will be exciting and thrilling. Many of our athletes compete at world-class levels in athletics, wheelchair racing, swimming, boccia, table tennis, and badminton. Among the 19 sports contested, we hope to build momentum toward the Paralympic Games,” Dr. Kongsak said.
Regarding prize money for Thai para-athletes, Dr. Kongsak stated that the Sports Authority and the National Sports Development Fund boards have approved the management framework. Athletes will receive prize money promptly, as was the case at the 33rd SEA Games, which ended on 20 December 2025 with payments made on 26 December 2025. Athletes need not worry about delays. According to the Fund’s regulations, prize money for the ASEAN Para Games is 200,000 baht for gold, 100,000 baht for silver, and 50,000 baht for bronze.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games include 19 sports: athletics, archery, badminton, 5-a-side football, boccia, international chess, cycling, 7-a-side football, goalball, judo, weightlifting, swimming, table tennis, sitting volleyball, shooting, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair tennis, and bowling, competing for 493 gold medals.