Thailand finished as the top-performing Southeast Asian nation at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan, winning 19 gold, 40 silver and 66 bronze medals as the Games officially closed on Saturday.
The Thai team finished seventh overall in the medal standings at the fifth Asian Para Games, held in Aichi-Nagoya, behind China, Japan, Uzbekistan, India, South Korea and Iran.
Thailand outperformed fellow Southeast Asian competitor Indonesia, which won 15 gold medals, to retain its regional lead.
The Games closed in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, on October 24, with Qatar set to host the next edition in 2030.
Although Thailand fell short of its target of 27 gold medals, Sports Authority of Thailand governor Prodpran Samanmit praised the athletes for their determination and overall performance.
Among the standout achievements was wheelchair racer Athiwat Paeng-nuea, who equalled the world record in the men’s 100 metres in the T54 class, she said.
Thailand also recorded notable performances in athletics and swimming, with athletes breaking previous records and setting new marks at the Games.
In boccia, Witsanu Huadpradit won his fifth consecutive gold medal, while Thailand topped the sport’s overall standings.
Nearly half of Thailand’s delegation consisted of newcomers, many of whom delivered strong results.
Young swimmer Nithikorn Jeampiriyakul, competing at the Games for the first time, won two gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze.
Prodpran said some Thai athletes narrowly missed out on medals after reaching the finals. However, the team’s performances showed clear statistical improvements.
The Sports Authority of Thailand will continue supporting training camps for both established medal prospects and emerging athletes, with the aim of preparing them for the 2027 ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia and qualification events for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Under the Asian Para Games prize scheme, athletes receive 1 million baht for each gold medal, 500,000 baht for silver and 250,000 baht for bronze.
Main photo: Athiwat Paeng-nuea
