Post by : Shakul
In a vibrant ceremony held on May 6, 2026, at The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok, the Thai government celebrated the remarkable achievements of its athletes from the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, dishing out over 33 million baht in rewards. The event, chaired by Mr. Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, aimed to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Thai athletes during the event.
The games unfolded from April 22 to April 30, 2026, where Thailand showcased exceptional talent, clinching second place overall in Asia. Thai competitors garnered a commendable tally of 28 medals, comprising 10 gold, 9 silver, and 9 bronze, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s sporting achievements.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with the Sports Authority of Thailand and the National Sports Development Fund, earmarked a total prize distribution of 33,982,500 baht. This package rewarded athletes directly with 23.7 million baht for their stellar performances, while coaches received 3.17 million baht for their pivotal roles, and over 7.11 million baht was allocated to sports associations to foster future development.
During the ceremony, Minister Surasak expressed gratitude to all supporting bodies including government entities and private organizations, underscoring that Thailand's sporting achievements stem from a collaborative effort. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a progressive and sustainable sports ecosystem.
The Minister outlined the “Thailand Sport Plus” policy focusing on vital areas: Sport Health to promote active lifestyles, Sport Wealth for utilizing sports to spur economic development, Sport Pride for uplifting Thai sports to global excellence, and Sport Future leveraging technology for enhanced athlete preparation.
Transparency in budget management within the sports sector was emphasized, as Minister Surasak detailed the zero-based budgeting established by the National Sports Development Fund, ensuring financial accountability and effectiveness. New performance indicators are being introduced to bolster strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Officials view Thailand’s Asian Beach Games success as a testament to its competitive potential within Asia. The impressive medal haul not only elevates national pride but also inspires a new generation of athletes. Continued investment in training, facilities, and opportunities for international competition is anticipated to retain Thailand’s competitive edge in forthcoming events.
In closing, Minister Surasak noted that the triumphs of Thai athletes are a source of immense national pride. The government’s financial contribution of over 33 million baht stands as a crucial investment towards a sustainable sporting future, empowering athletes, evolving technology, and enhancing infrastructure for greater successes in international competitions ahead.
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