While others greet the Chinese New Year with "Xin Jia Yu Yi, Xin Ni Huai Cai,"
for “Madam Pang” Nualphan Lamsam, the head of Thai football, it might be more appropriate to say
"Xin Jia Yu Yi, If in debt, pay quickly."
Last Friday, all media outlets received the good news that the iron lady president is close to clearing the Football Association's debt to Siam Sport,
amounting to 120 million baht in full.
We all know well that this large debt was not incurred by “President Pang” herself,
but originated from Siam Sport suing the Football Association of Thailand and TrueVisions suing Siam Sport during the era of “President Odd,” Pol. Gen. Dr. Somyot Poompanmoung.
This dispute began in 2016 under the previous administration of the association,
before the court's official ruling came in 2025.
The cases involved Siam Sport suing the Football Association of Thailand and TrueVisions suing Siam Sport.
The court decided the Football Association must pay Siam Sport 360 million baht in damages plus interest,
and Siam Sport must repay TrueVisions 240 million baht plus interest.
Immediately after the verdict, “Madam Pang,” the current president who took office in 2024,
negotiated fully with executives from Siam Sport, led by Big Rawit Lotong, and TrueVisions.
She requested both companies to waive additional interest charges between them.
The top executives of both companies recognized her sincere responsibility in repaying the debt without evasion,
and agreed to this condition for the overall benefit of the Football Association of Thailand.
The association agreed to pay the principal amount Siam Sport owes TrueVisions, which is 240 million baht,
reducing the association's debt to Siam Sport from 360 million baht to 120 million baht.
At the first press conference about repaying this debt at the association last year,
I was a witness as “Madam Pang” spoke through tears,
creating a historic moment remembered across all sectors.
Everyone sympathized with this small but strong female leader who had to repay a debt she did not incur at all.
Currently, the association has repaid Siam Sport 105 million baht over the past year,
with only the final installment of 15 million baht expected to be paid next month in March,
which also coincides with “President Pang's” 60th birthday.
It must be said that achieving this in just one year is no easy feat without true dedication to using these funds properly.
The association has tried to raise money through all possible means,
including producing Thai football fan shirts, which I personally purchased two of willingly,
and also organizing stage plays and other events, though these efforts seem insufficient.
Undoubtedly, most of this money likely comes from “President Pang's” personal funds.
Meanwhile, the debt to TrueVisions, which the association must pay on behalf of Siam Sport, has also begun to be repaid.
Both companies’ executives have kindly waived interest charges.
TrueVisions has been a major continuous sponsor of the Football Association.
Madam Pang has had direct talks to arrange long-term installment payments for the debt Siam Sport owes TrueVisions,
which may include transferring some benefits or sponsorship rights to TrueVisions.
This heavy debt repayment mission is now progressing successfully.
I cannot imagine who else could manage such a daunting task,
if not the white horse heroine “Madam Pang” Nualphan Lamsam, stepping in to relieve Thai football's debts.
Who else would sacrifice themselves to this extent?
Therefore, on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the “Year of the Fire Horse,”
I would like Thai football fans nationwide to join in encouraging this iron lady president,
supporting her ongoing (hard) work for our football community,
for the remaining two years ahead...!
- Bee Bangpakong -