Bangkok: Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn has introduced the “Quick Win 100 Days” initiative aimed at reforming the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to enhance the Thai sports industry.
According to Thai News Agency, Minister Atthakorn, who serves as the Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced the policy during a seminar focused on the operational direction of the NSDF. The initiative seeks to address several challenges within the sports industry, including budget delays, structural bottlenecks, transparency issues, and conflicts between the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the NSDF.
The reform outlines four urgent policies designed to unlock the potential of Thai athletes. The first policy focuses on securing additional funds for the 33rd SEA Games, with an increase in the 2026 budget framework by 280.7 million baht for training camps and 22.5 million baht for sports science. This aims to ensure Thailand’s readiness to host the event.
The second policy involves injecting over 400 million baht into the sports budget. This increase is intended to promote sports development through transparent and swift allocation, with the goal of completing the budget distribution before November 15, 2026, across all associations.
The third policy seeks to transform the Fund’s services by integrating information technology and AI. This transformation will expedite budget allocations, approvals, and online MOU signing. Additionally, it will allow for real-time tracking of request statuses and disbursements for the fiscal years 2027-2028.
The fourth policy aims to provide new guarantees to support athletes throughout their careers. It involves revising criteria for awarding prize money to ensure clarity, fairness, and sustainability, as well as improving welfare measures covering health, education, and post-career support for athletes and sports personnel.
This comprehensive reform is designed to unlock and unleash the potential of Thai athletes, ensuring they are better prepared for international competition and receive the support they need both during and after their athletic careers.