Bangkok: National bodybuilders in Thailand have approached the Senate Tourism Committee, voicing grievances about being deprived of prize money for over two years. The athletes, who represented Thailand at the 13th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships held in December 2022 in Phuket, have not received their promised rewards, sparking significant discontent within the sports community.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Napop Laiwisetkul, a Senator and Deputy Spokesperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports, along with Mr. Phisit Apiwattanapong, a Senator serving as an Advisor to the Committee, received a formal complaint from Mr. Kongpol Thongsuk, a prominent Thai national bodybuilder. Mr. Thongsuk highlighted that despite the international success and medals achieved by Thai athletes at the event, the financial support that was supposed to accompany their victories has not been disbursed.

Mr. Thongsuk elaborated that typically, athletes who win medals are awarded prize money, whic
h serves as both recognition and encouragement for their achievements. However, despite the competition concluding nearly two years ago, the funds have yet to be allocated. This delay has forced athletes to bear personal expenses incurred during their preparation and participation in the competition, which was intended to bring prestige to Thailand on the global stage.

The situation has prompted Mr. Thongsuk to seek the Senate’s intervention, hoping for a thorough investigation to resolve the matter and ensure that athletes receive their due recognition and monetary support. The delayed prize money has become a pressing issue for the athletes who continue to wait for a resolution.