"Madame Pang," president of the Thai Football Association, acknowledged it was a mistake by the association after the "SEA Games 2025" mission ended without winning a gold medal.
On 9 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, chairperson of the Olympic Committee of Thailand under royal patronage, chaired the first executive committee meeting of 2026 at Meeting Room 1 of the Olympic Committee of Thailand. Attendees included Gen. Yutsak Sakshiprapa, honorary chairman; Col. Ekachai Phak Sirivat, vice chairman; and other executive members.
The chairperson informed the meeting of the royal graciousness of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who graciously accepted the role of honorary advisory chairperson of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, bringing great auspiciousness and morale to the committee to dedicate efforts toward the development of Thai sports.
Asst. Prof. Pimol also stated that after the New Year, the Olympic Committee must work harder and more intensively because this year there are important events ahead, including sending athletes to the Asian Beach Games in China this April and the Asian Games in Japan from 19 Sept to 4 Oct, as well as continuing efforts to resolve problems, assist, and support Thai athletes to maximize benefits, elevate standards, and develop their potential toward the greatest success.
Gen. Yutsak remarked in the meeting about Thai athletes' SEA Games performance that each sports association must bring detailed, in-depth data to analyze the true causes in order to improve and develop for future major sporting events. The chairman agreed to consider organizing seminars with sports associations and stakeholders to gather in-depth information leading to quality improvement and precise problem-solving for athletes.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Nuanphan Lamsam, vice chairperson of the Olympic Committee and president of the Football Association of Thailand, explained the Thai football and futsal teams' performance at the 33rd SEA Games. She first apologized to the Olympic Committee that the football teams failed to win any gold medals, especially the men's team. She admitted the association’s mistake in not allowing players rest from league matches for their clubs because the SEA Games training period did not coincide with FIFA days. She also noted that the Thai League’s coefficient has risen to match China’s, and with equal opportunities for players to compete abroad (in Asian club football), balancing these two aspects is challenging, requiring flexibility in football association management.
"I have continuously tried to maintain this balance and will need to engage in more discussions with clubs. Regarding foreign player quotas in the Thai League, we must align more with Asian club football by increasing foreign player quotas, which may reduce Thai players' quality. We are currently addressing this; there was a meeting at the association just yesterday," she said.
Mrs. Nuanphan also addressed the Asian Games competition, requesting the committee to consider sending a football team. The association reviewed the schedule and found the Asian Games period coincides with FIFA days, so clubs must release players. Regarding the SEA Games, she remarked, "After each men’s football match, players must return to club duties, which is difficult since clubs rely on key players who then become fatigued. It was evident during extra time against Vietnam that they played well."
Mr. Thana Chaiprasit, secretary-general of the Olympic Committee, reported on progress preparing Thai athletes for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. They are currently finalizing the number of athletes to compete, with the deadline for submission on 31 Jan. The selection committee will set policies on athlete selection and which sports to send.
Mr. Preecha Lalun, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) for elite sports and sports science, said SAT has allocated a preliminary budget of over 226 million baht. They initially plan to select 10 sports based on previous Asian Games results, not aiming to break records but to meet the target of no less than 18 gold medals.
Mr. Nattawut Ruangwes, deputy secretary-general of the Olympic Committee, added that Asian Games preparations should focus on progression from the Asian Games to the Olympic Games. He said it might not be limited to the 10 sports targeted by SAT, as the aim is not only medals but also development. Regarding budget, once the final athlete numbers are confirmed, they will seek ways to secure funding.
The meeting also resolved to purchase the SSL47 keelboat used by Her Majesty the Queen in competition, which led the team to win a gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Some budget support has been received. This boat is historically significant and should be preserved and displayed in the Sports Museum.
Asst. Prof. Pimol said that Asian Games participation should not be limited to the 10 sports outlined by SAT. Discussions are needed on many mass-participation sports that can be developed toward the Olympic Games and deserve opportunities. For example, football must be given chances despite unimpressive SEA Games results as it is popular and a national hope. Similarly, basketball has a large following. Further details will be reviewed.
Regarding a bid to host the Youth Olympic Games, Asst. Prof. Pimol said they are currently preparing criteria and conditions to propose to the new government. If interested in hosting, they must demonstrate confidence in organizing, including budget and comprehensive planning, to secure Cabinet approval. If the budget readiness is lacking, the Olympic Committee will not submit a bid to avoid damaging the country's image in the future.