Mr Srettha said sporting matters are an important focus for him in his role as prime minister because he likes and plays sports.
“The government is ready to seek funds to support sports and those who bring good reputation to the country,” said Srettha, a devout fan of sports in general and football in particular.
He promised to push for higher financial incentives for both normal and disabled athletes, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Thai medallists at the recent Asian Games and Asian Para Games, as well as their coaches and associations, received more than B350 million in financial rewards from the government yesterday (Nov 7).
Prime Minister Srettha gave them a total of B353.925mn at a ceremony at Government House.
At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Thailand won 12 gold, 14 silver and 32 bronze medals to finish eighth overall.
At the fourth Asian Para Games in the same city, the Kingdom claimed 27 gold, 26 silver and 55 bronze medals and were seventh overall.
Under the National Sports Development Fund’s (NSDF) bonus scheme for the Asian Games, a champion receives B2mn, a silver winner B1mn and a bronze medallist B500,000.
The coaches and associations of the medallists also get separate monetary incentives.
In all, they received a total of B244.20mn.
Led by its new president Thana Chaiprasit, the Takraw Association of Thailand was the country’s most successful association at Hangzhou with four gold medals.
They deservedly got the biggest share of B86.80mn in bonuses.
Without a single gold medal, the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand, its athletes and coaches received B44.45mn.
The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, whose athletes bagged two golds, got B8.25mn.
Golfers, who won two gold medals in the women’s team and individual events, and their association and coaches received B18mn.
The squad also claimed the silver medal in the men’s team competition.
Also with two golds, the Taekwondo Association of Thailand received B7.5mn.
Thailand also won a gold medal each in windsurfing and e-Sports.
A gold medallist at the Asian Para Games receives B1mn, a silver medallist B500,000 and a bronze medallist B250,000.
In all, the Asian Para Games contingent received B109.725mn from the NSDF.