Bangkok: The National Sports Fund is set to adjust its strategy by allocating funds directly to sports associations and provinces, with a target of 4 billion baht. Mr. Tanukiart Chanchum, Manager of the National Sports Development Fund, shared this development following the 7th/2026 meeting of the National Sports Development Fund Executive Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Songsak Thongsri at Government House.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Tanukiart Chanchum stated that the Executive Committee has approved a significant change in the fund's approach to budget allocation. The funds will now be allocated directly to applicants, including the Sports Authority of Thailand, national sports associations, and provincial sports associations. This new process will be clearly defined to ensure it aligns with the strategic plan approved at the meeting.
The Executive Committee also approved the budget allocation framework for national sports development, targeting eligible applicants such as the Sports Authority of Thailand, national sports associations, provincial sports associations, professional sports committees, and the boxing committee, all under a total budget of 4 billion baht. Eligible applicants are required to prepare detailed project plans within the allocated budget for submission to the Fund Management Committee for approval.
Mr. Tanukiart emphasized that the Chairman of the Committee prioritized that the 2027 budget should be available by October 1, 2026. He noted that recent budget disbursements had been delayed, starting as late as November or January in some years. The Chairman's policy this year is to ensure prompt fund allocation from the fiscal year's start to avoid interruptions in sports development.
Past delays were caused by late document submissions from sports associations and prolonged review processes by the committee and the Ministry of Finance's Comptroller General's Department. Proposals submitted in October, involving significant budgets, required extended consideration time, leading to delays.
However, this year's plan anticipates all details being submitted to the Comptroller General's Department by August. The 4 billion baht budget is an estimated amount collected consistently over 4-5 years. Additionally, the Sports Authority of Thailand will receive funding from its annual budget, with the exact amount pending clarification.
These combined funds aim to promote and develop national sports adequately, although some areas may still need extra support. Sports associations can seek additional funding through marketing benefits systems or the "One Sport, One State Enterprise" project.