Bangkok: Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Srivaddhanaprabha is tackling a seamless mission to elevate the image of Thai sports on the world stage, while simultaneously focusing on Saraburi province to create a healthy society and drive the grassroots economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed the direction and vision for operations, focusing on seamless integration in both international sporting events and promoting public health at the grassroots level. He emphasized elevating Thai identity, culture, and fashion to an international level, coupled with strengthening community economies through sports tourism. He stated, "The current push for Thai sports is not limited to training for victory on the field, but rather integrating the potential of athletes with the beauty of fashion, culture, and the elegant image of the country."
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports received the immeasurable grace from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Creative Director of the SIRIVANNAVARI brand, who designed the ceremonial attire for the Thai national athletes to wear at the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (September 19 - October 4, 2026). This is a significant opportunity to showcase the potential of Thai fashion brands and Thai fabrics on an international stage, through designs under the concept of 'The Art of Unity,' which combines hand-woven indigo-dyed cotton from the 'Don Koi Model' in Sakon Nakhon province and cotton from the Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts with contemporary silhouettes.
Sports can be a crucial tool in driving the Thai fashion and textile industries, fostering the creative economy. This is because athletes serve as representatives and ambassadors for the country when appearing at opening ceremonies for world-class competitions. The core vision is to promote Thai athletes who are physically and mentally prepared, possessing a dignified image, and creating pride and added value for Thailand in the eyes of the international community.
Meanwhile, in the dimensions of mass sports and regional development, the Ministry has strategized to create a healthy society to reduce the country's long-term healthcare costs. It views the physical health of its citizens as true economic stability, leading to pilot mass exercise activities in Saraburi Province, with over 1,000 participants. The Saraburi model serves as a prototype for distributing opportunities and organizing sports activities to the regions. This not only promotes widespread access to exercise and demonstrates grassroots momentum, but also stimulates community tourism (Sports Tourism), attracting tourists and generating economic activity in the local area simultaneously.
"The Ministry's work direction will focus on seamlessly linking a global vision with work that reaches the people, from promoting Thai cultural identity through sportswear at the Asian Games to going down to the community level to promote health and well-being, in order to sustainably enhance both the country's image and the quality of life for Thai people."