The initiative was introduced during a two-day seminar jointly organised with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), reports the Bangkok Post.
The event, held at The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel and SC Park Hotel in Bangkok, brought together representatives from national and provincial sports bodies to learn how to navigate the system.
Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, who presided over the opening, said the government was determined to modernise the country’s sports administration.
“The government attaches great importance to the systematic and sustainable development of sports in Thailand,” he told participants. “This seminar serves as a platform for associations to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and align their operations toward shared national goals.”
A major shift
The centrepiece of the seminar was the launch of the NSDF’s fully digital application system. Officials described it as a step towards making the fund a “fully digital sports fund,” in line with the state’s broader Digital Government policy.
Through the platform, associations can submit funding requests, track the progress of their applications, and file project reports online. The system is designed to cut down on paperwork, reduce duplication, and improve transparency in how public money is allocated and monitored.
“This digital transformation will accelerate and streamline public fund management, making it more responsive, accurate, and aligned with the actual needs of Thailand’s sports community,” Atthakorn said.
Workshops held alongside the seminar offered practical training on budget management, online reporting, and project evaluation. Sessions also touched on athlete development, personnel training, and building organisational capacity to compete on both national and international stages.
Sustainable ecosystem
Beyond the technical aspects, the government used the seminar to underline its long-term vision for Thai sports.
Atthakorn said the aim was to create a standardised and equitable sports ecosystem that provides equal opportunities and sustained support across the country.
“The key to progress lies in establishing a system that offers world-class development pathways,” he said. “This foundation will enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and strengthen sports as a driver of the nation’s creative economy.”
Participants were urged to treat the seminar as the beginning of a broader reform in sports management. The minister stressed that transparency and accountability would be central to future funding decisions.
The launch of the digital platform is being framed as a milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise sports administration.
Officials argue that by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving oversight, the system will not only benefit athletes and associations but also help position sports as a contributor to economic growth, social development, and national pride.