Bangkok: Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is gearing up to tackle issues within the sports industry following the withdrawal of Thailand’s badminton athletes from the SEA Games. This move comes amid management challenges within the Badminton Association of Thailand and a reduction in athlete allowances.

According to Thai News Agency, Thammanat, who also serves as Chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand, highlighted that problems within the sports sector have been unresolved for a considerable period. As the President of the Aquatics Association, he has identified and is demanding solutions to the internal challenges faced by the association. The withdrawal of national badminton player Pornpawee Chochuwong from the SEA Games has brought to light the broader issue of professional athletes lacking the time to adhere to association regulations for upcoming events.

Additionally, Thammanat announced plans to appoint Group Captain Anudit Nakornthap as a complaints officer to address sports-related concerns systematically. He noted that the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand has received numerous athlete complaints that necessitate organized resolution, citing the recently resolved issues within the Petanque Association of Thailand as a precedent. Thammanat plans to meet with athlete Pornpawee Chochuwong after a Cabinet meeting to further discuss these ongoing issues.

In response to concerns about the impact of reduced allowances on athlete morale, Thammanat emphasized the importance of maintaining morale and spirit. He assured that his team, including Group Captain Anudit and his advisor Mr. Himalaya Phiwpaen, is actively working on this matter.