The Water Sports Association awarded over 10 million baht in bonuses to the SEA Games team and is moving forward with preparations for athletes to compete in major events throughout the year.
General Petchrat Limprasert, Vice President of the Water Sports Association of Thailand, chaired the victory celebration for the 33rd SEA Games on 8 March at the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, attended by the board of directors, athletes, and coaches in large numbers.
During the event, cash rewards were presented for the 33rd SEA Games, hosted by Thailand, where the team won a total of 11 gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Lieutenant Commander Thammanat Prompao, President of the Water Sports Association, awarded additional bonuses beyond those received from the National Sports Development Fund: 3,375,000 baht for water polo, 2,790,000 baht for artistic swimming, 3,465,000 baht for swimming, 630,000 baht for open water swimming, and 525,000 baht for diving, totaling 10,785,000 baht.
“Coach Tuk,” Thanawit Thosakul, Secretary-General of the Water Sports Association, said that originally Lieutenant Commander Thammanat intended to personally present the bonuses but was unable due to minor illness. Therefore, a representative delivered the awards to honor the athletes’ dedication and excellent performance across all sports, encouraging them to continue training and achieving strong results for the national team.
Thanawit added that the association has several upcoming missions to prepare athletes for multiple competitions this year, including the 2026 Asian Beach Games in China, the 20th Asian Games in Japan, and hosting the Asian Water Sports Championship “Asian Age 2026.” Athletes have already been selected for the Asian Games, which meets the criteria set by the Olympic Committee of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), based on performances at the SEA Games and other events, aiming for the best possible results.
“Regarding potential changes to the allowance payment system, the Water Sports Association has no issues and is ready to adapt according to the policies of the National Sports Development Fund and SAT. If any problems arise, we will pay the athletes first,” Coach Tuk concluded.