Direct transfers to athletes! The Sports Fund begins direct allowance payments, kicking off at the "Surat Thani Games".
On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Sports Development Fund launched direct allowance payments to athletes, starting with Bangkok athletes competing in the 41st National Youth Games, the "Surat Thani Games."
The press conference on direct training allowance payments for athletes at the 41st National Youth Games, "Surat Thani Games," was chaired by Mr. Attakorn Sirilakthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The direct training allowance payments to athletes at the 41st National Youth Games, held from 7-17 May 2026, mark the first event to transfer training allowances directly to athletes.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Sports Development Fund
aim to ensure athletes receive their training allowances conveniently and promptly, serving as motivation during competitions.
They selected Bangkok as the pilot province because it sends the largest number of athletes to compete.
Furthermore, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the National Sports Development Fund have partnered with Krungthai Bank to facilitate swift and convenient direct allowance transfers to athletes, including those in the National Youth Games, the National Games, and the Thai national teams.
Regarding concerns from provincial sports associations about potential issues affecting direct allowance transfers to athletes in various aspects,
Mr. Thanukiat Chanchum, Manager of the National Sports Development Fund, said, "Direct allowance transfers to athletes represent a major challenge and significant change in Thai sports, following the policy of Mr. Attakorn Sirilakthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, who aims for athletes to access government funds directly and promptly."
The fund is open to feedback, ready to address problems, and has already devised solutions, especially concerning budgets for travel, clothing, and food for athletes, with clear budget divisions for each category.
The 41st National Youth Games, the "Surat Thani Games," will be held from 7-17 May 2026 in Surat Thani Province.