The Ice Hockey Association clarifies the issue of the national team receiving a 5,000 baht allowance despite signing for 28,000 baht and the retrieval of equipment.
The Ice Hockey Association of Thailand explained that the 28,000 baht is the budget allocated per athlete for overseas competitions. The allowance is set at no less than 1,000 baht per day. Regarding equipment, national team players must return all competition gear to the association after tournaments, as these items belong to the association and are provided to all national team members.
Mr. Chonphat Ingkratphithakorn, a former Thai national ice hockey player, spoke out about issues concerning athlete allowances in competitions other than the SEA Games and Asian Games. He claimed there were unclear deductions because although he signed to receive 28,000 baht, he ultimately only got 5,000 baht from two tournament events. He added that he was told the remainder covered travel and accommodation costs. This made players feel that travel and lodging, as part of representing Thailand internationally, should be supported separately, not deducted from their allowances, especially since they train for 2-3 months and the amount received is insufficient.
In response, the Ice Hockey Association clarified that the 28,000 baht mentioned by Mr. Chonphat refers to the total expenses per athlete for overseas competitions, which include airfare, accommodation, and a daily allowance set at no less than 1,000 baht.
For example, if a 20-player team is sent to compete, the total budget would be 28,000 baht multiplied by 20, totaling 560,000 baht supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand. If the competition lasts five days, the total allowance would be 5,000 baht, and the remaining 23,000 baht covers airfare and accommodation. If costs exceed the budget, the association covers the extra expenses.
For other events without official support, the association must find funding to send players, especially for airfare. Ice hockey is more popular in Europe, causing ticket prices to rise. For instance, during the Winter Olympic qualifiers in the Netherlands, the Sports Authority of Thailand did not provide support, so the association had to cover 58,000 baht per player for airfare, and no allowances were given to athletes.
Regarding equipment such as protective gear, headguards, and pants, which players mentioned the association collects after national team matches, the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand explained that all national team competition equipment is association property. The association purchases these items for all national players to use, so they must be returned after each tournament.
However, concerning hockey sticks used in competition, the association supports all national players. Athletes may purchase their own sticks privately and submit receipts or notify the association's vendor, and the association will reimburse the expenses.