Bangkok: The Thai Paralympic team has received more than 144 million baht in prize money, which was directly transferred into their accounts. Disabled athletes who excelled at the ASEAN Para Games and other international sporting events were rewarded by the government through real-time bank transfers.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Natthariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, presented monetary awards to athletes and coaches. These awards were for their participation in the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, the 5th Asian Youth Para Games in the United Arab Emirates, and other international competitions.

At the ASEAN Para Games, Thai Para athletes achieved a remarkable medal haul, securing 175 gold, 155 silver, and 156 bronze medals, which translated into a total of 128,280,000 baht in prize money. Meanwhile, at the Asian Youth Para Games, the Thai youth Para team placed 4th in Asia, earning 36 gold, 36 silver, and 33 bronze medals, and a total of 10,875,000 baht in prize money. Additionally, in eight international competitions, they won 11 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze medals, earning a total of 5,063,750 baht in prize money.

The highlight of the ceremony was the immediate transfer of funds into the athletes' bank accounts. After the event, the atmosphere was celebratory as athletes eagerly checked their mobile phones to confirm the receipt of their prize money.

"Waew" Saisunee Jaena, a national wheelchair fencing athlete and two-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist, expressed her satisfaction with the government's consistent support for disabled athletes. She also encouraged younger athletes to make the most of their prize money.