
Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Governor Gongsak Yodmani said that the new president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) must be someone who is recognised both domestically and internationally and be independent from politics.
Discussing the upcoming election for the president of the NOCT, Gongsak emphasised that the poll, scheduled for March, will be different from previous ones due to a diverse range of candidates.
He said that the sports community in the country is eagerly waiting for a change.
From the names currently in the spotlight, Gongsak said each candidate possesses significant potential to foster international cooperation, which will help elevate Thai sports to a global level. However, he refrained from commenting on which candidate would be the most suited for the role.
Asked about the ideal qualifications for the next president of NOCT, Gongsak said that the candidate should be widely recognised both domestically and internationally.
The person must also be accepted by various sports associations and federations, with the ability to coordinate both nationally and internationally, the SAT governor added.
He expects that each candidate would have his or her own unique strengths.
"What we hope for is that the NOCT and the government will work in unity. However, it is essential that the work remain independent, free from political interference. It is vital for Thai sports to truly move forward without any political entanglements," Gongsak said.
He added that the SAT had been collaborating effectively with NOCT in preparations for the SEA Games, and he is optimistic that the new NOCT president would successfully carry forward the work done by the previous team, with positive results.
The election for the new president of NOCT, replacing former deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, is set for March during a general meeting.
While no official candidates have been announced yet, it is widely expected that at least three individuals will run for the position. They are Pimol Srivikorn, president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, who has already declared his candidacy, Suchai Pornchaisakudom, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, who is reportedly considering entering the race, and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who is widely anticipated to run due to her broad support from the Thai sports community.