Using money from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra awarded the athletes, as well as their coaches and associations, a total of B212,150,000 for their performances in Paris, reports the Bangkok Post.
Thailand finished 21st in the overall medal standings with six gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals, the country’s most successful Paralympic campaign ever.
The PM praised the athletes for their excellent performance in Paris.
“I would like to congratulate all the athletes for their performance in Paris. All of you are Thailand’s heroes,” said the PM, who presided over the reception.
“I followed the competition in Paris and I felt such pride. After all the training and the dedication, you have achieved your goals.
“I hope these financial rewards help you to continue training hard to represent Thailand. Your success will inspire the younger generation to follow in your footsteps,” she added.
Also present at the function were Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong and Sports Authority of Thailand governor Gongsak Yodmani.
Under the NSDF’s bonus scheme for the Paralympic Games, a gold medallist receives B7.2mn, a silver medallist B4.8mn and a bronze medallist B3mn.
Wheelchair fencer Saysunee Jana had the biggest payday, earning B24.6mn, after winning three gold medals and one bronze medal in Paris.
The 50-year-old swept three golds in individual events - sabre, foil and epee - while also taking bronze in the women’s epee team competition.
Wheelchair racer Pongsakorn Paeyo, who won one gold and two silver medals, received B16.8mn while para table tennis player Yuttajak Glinbancheun, who won one silver and two bronze medals, pocketed B10.8mn.
In all, 25 Paris medallists received B162,600,000, while coaches and associations received B44,150,000. Athletes who did not win any medals received B100,000 each and two guide runners got B50,000 each.