ASEAN member nations praise the ASEAN Para Games for meeting standards; halfway through, the Thai team has broken many records and is expected to win over 200 gold medals.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima have reached their halfway point. Member countries commend Thailand for organizing the event to a high standard. Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), expressed pride in the Thai team's performance, noting numerous record-breaking achievements, especially in athletics and swimming. He is confident Thailand will surpass 200 gold medals.
Regarding the 13th ASEAN Para Games held from 20-26 January 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), stated that at the halfway point, overall progress aligns with set goals. The organization of each venue, accommodation, transportation systems, and other arrangements have proceeded smoothly. Participating member nations have praised Thailand's efficient and standard-compliant management, including fair and impartial judging.
"The Thai athletes’ performance at the halfway mark meets expectations. Athletics and swimming stand out with remarkable results, having broken more than 20 records combined. For example, Pongsakorn Payao broke his own ASEAN Para Games record in the 400-meter wheelchair racing, class T53, while Nithikorn Jiamphiriya set a new record in the 100-meter breaststroke swimming, class SB14. This success gives us confidence that Thailand will secure over 200 gold medals and claim the ASEAN championship for the seventh time," he said.
The SAT Governor added that many Thai athletes have reached the world-class level, enabling a focus on accumulating world ranking points and breaking records to progress to higher-level competitions. Additionally, 30-40 percent of the team consists of rising young athletes who have recently emerged; these athletes will step up to replace veterans in the future. Several sports also have potential to extend participation to the Paralympic Games.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games features 19 sports with 493 gold medals contested. The SAT, in coordination with all disabled sports associations, currently estimates Thailand will win 231 gold medals, slightly down from the original 233, due to wheelchair tennis being removed after insufficient participating countries, which led to two events being cut.