First Olympic qualification: Government announces bonus payouts after Thai women's volleyball team wins 2026 Asian Championship.
On 31 August 2026, Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the National Sports Development Fund Management Committee, along with Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Deputy Chair of the Fund Management Committee, instructed the National Sports Development Fund to submit a proposal to the committee for approval of prize money payments to the Thai women's national volleyball team following their victory at the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship, in accordance with the competition results and eligibility criteria set by the Fund.
This action follows the announcement by the National Sports Development Fund Management Committee regarding the criteria, methods, and conditions for awarding prize money to athletes, sports personnel, and sports associations using the name "of Thailand" in 2026, edition 2, which sets guidelines to provide rewards that encourage athletes, sports personnel, and associations who have achieved success and brought honor to Thailand.
Regarding the Asian Championships in Olympic sports, under criterion 2.1 for general category athletes, subsection 2.1.2, for those competing under associations using the name "of Thailand," the prize money rates are defined based on competition results as follows.
The Thai women's volleyball team defeated host nation China 3-2 sets with scores of 25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-19, and 15-10 to claim the gold medal. The 14 players will receive 600,000 baht each, totaling 8,400,000 baht. The coach will receive 840,000 baht, and the Volleyball Association will be granted 2,520,000 baht, making a total of 11,760,000 baht.
Meanwhile, Mr. Songsak and Mr. Surasak emphasized that the National Sports Development Fund should proceed according to the established steps and criteria to ensure that athletes, sports personnel, and associations receive their entitled prize money, while prioritizing care and morale boosting for the national team athletes who have dedicated themselves and brought honor to the country.
The National Sports Development Fund is committed to continuously supporting Thai athletes in line with government and Ministry of Tourism and Sports policies, including preparation, competition participation, and morale building, to help Thai athletes develop their potential and achieve success on the international stage.
The prize money payments will be made according to the regulations, criteria, and procedures once approved by the National Sports Development Fund Management Committee.