Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), is urging 12 sports associations to promptly submit allowance reimbursement documents to prevent negative effects on athletes. He acknowledged that the Japanese host's notification requiring some participants to find their own accommodation has impacted the Thai team, necessitating revised plans.
After the 2026 Asian Games organizing committee in Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, Japan, warned additional registered athletes and officials to "find their own accommodation" due to participant numbers rising to 17,000 from the original 15,000, they acknowledged limited budget and accommodation capacity. This has affected several Thai sports associations, forcing them to change their travel and lodging plans.
On 28 Aug 2023 GMT+7, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), addressed the issue, stating that the host's recent notice that some athletes may have to arrange their own accommodation has caused some Thai sports associations to adjust their numbers. He admitted this is disruptive since many associations had already planned their travel. The National Olympic Committee of Thailand has informed each sports association of this limitation imposed by the host, which is unavoidable and affects all countries equally, with no one gaining an advantage or disadvantage.
"Regarding other preparations, there are currently no problems. Each association is conducting intensive training camps. Allowances for athletes have mostly been approved and paid, except for 12 sports associations still pending reimbursement documents due to certain issues. The SAT has coordinated to expedite these submissions to prevent any impact on the athletes," he said.