The 33rd edition of the biennial SEA Games will be hosted by Thailand from Dec 9-20, reports the Bangkok Post.
Pornpawee, a four-time SEA Games gold medallist, personally submitted a resignation letter to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), stating that she had lost motivation due to what she described as unfair treatment from certain officials within the Badminton Association of Thailand’s development division.
She emphasised that her decision was not related to financial allowances, but rather to systemic problems that she hopes will be addressed for the sake of younger athletes.
“I have endured these problems for years, but I don’t want the next generation to face the same difficulties,” Pornpawee said.
The 27-year-old shuttler revealed that she had made significant sacrifices in preparation for the SEA Games, including withdrawing from the Australian Open and professional league competitions in China.
She also covered most of her own training and travel expenses, citing insufficient support from the association.
Pornpawee further explained that her disappointment stemmed from the lack of prior notice about mandatory SEA Games fitness tests.
“If I had been told, I would have complied with the rules,” she said, stressing again that her dispute was not with the SAT or about daily allowances.
Her resignation comes amid ongoing controversy over the deduction of allowances for national team players.
Earlier this year, fellow stars Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Ratchanok Intanon saw their allowances reduced to B6,000 after missing scheduled fitness tests due to international competitions.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla, will continue.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn has confirmed that the Games will proceed as planned, though the opening and closing ceremonies will be simplified in light of the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
SAT Governor Dr Gongsak Yodmani added that the organising committee will focus on ensuring appropriate ceremonies, security, and smooth operations across all venues.