Thai athletes preparing for next month’s 33rd SEA Games and 13th ASEAN Para Games on home soil are rejoicing after Thai sports authorities approved a proposal that would see them receive incentives for winning medals within a week of the conclusion of the competitions.
Complaints about delays in such payments have often been heard from medal-winning athletes, but Thai sports officials have been quick to address the issue this time, by ensuring that no such problems would occur.
On Friday, the committee overseeing the National Sports Development Fund approved, in principle, a proposal to complete incentive payments within seven days of the end of the competitions.
Thailand is due to host two sporting events in successive months, starting with the 33rd SEA Games between December 9 and 20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla, followed by the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima between January 20th and 26.
Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao, in his capacity as chair of the committee, said the decision on the bonuses was made to boost the morale of national athletes ahead of the competitions.
Thammanat, who also serves as the minister of agriculture and cooperatives, assured that the fund has been well spent in the best interests of Thai sport.
“Regarding the disbursement of funds, I urge all relevant agencies to expedite the process, to ensure that money can be used for the immediate benefit of our sports, particularly key projects focused on developing athletes, sports personnel and raising competition standards. Budget allocation needs to be appropriate and sufficient to meet all needs. This will allow the continuity of development in Thai sports, ensuring our athletes can compete internationally,” claimed Thammanat.
