Three more candidates have joined the race for the new governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), including two insiders: Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Governor for Administration, and Prodpran Samanmitr, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing. The external candidate is Thanakorn Duangmanee, CEO of The Agency Group. This brings the total number of applicants to nine.
On 28 July 2026, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) announced it is accepting applications for the position of SAT governor from 15 to 29 July 2026. Applicants can submit their forms and supporting documents in person or authorize someone else to submit on their behalf at the Human Resources Department on the 6th floor of SAT, phone 02-1867111 ext. 1217 or 7950. Applications can also be sent electronically via email to hrm@sat.or.th until 16:30 on 29 July 2026.
On the evening of 27 July 2026, Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Governor for Administration, personally submitted his application to become SAT governor, becoming the seventh applicant. The application period remains open until 29 July. On 28 July, two more candidates applied electronically: Prodpran Samanmitr, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing, and Thanakorn Duangmanee, CEO of The Agency Group.
This brings the total number of SAT governor candidates to nine: 1. Sirichet Pooltipayanon, President of the Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand; 2. Dr. Suwit Lertthanakulwat, local politician and social worker in Bang Rak; 3. Thanpawut Techapuwadolwit, advisor to the Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of Thailand; 4. Jen Piyatat, Chairman of the Granular Badminton Club and executive committee member of the Badminton Association of Thailand.
Also among the candidates are 5. Kunakorn Mannthiray, former Member of Parliament and advisor to the Military and Police Shooting Association of Thailand; 6. Pol. Col. Chaiporn Ofuwong, Deputy Commander of the Legal and Case Office, Royal Thai Police; 7. Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Governor for Administration; 8. Prodpran Samanmitr, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing; and 9. Thanakorn Duangmanee, CEO of The Agency Group.