Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

Also hailing the heroes of Hangzhou at the Government House bash were Foreign Minister Panpree Phahitthanukorn, Sports Authority of Thailand governor Kongsak Yodmanee and National Sports Development Fund manager Supranee Guptasa.

Srettha handed out cash prizes and souvenirs to the athletes, coaches and sports association officials who won medals in the competition.

He also gifted honours to Olympic Committee of Thailand chief Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya and Paralympic Committee president Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi.

The PM congratulated Thai athletes for flying the Thai flag high in China, saying he chose to preside over the event because he loves sport.

He also vowed to aid Thai sports development with funding, more coaches, and higher financial rewards as well as employment and tax benefits for athletes.

"I ask athletes to keep up their efforts to boost Thailand's reputation," he said.

Thai athletes and officials were rewarded with 353.92 million baht in cash bonuses for their performances at the Asian and Asian Para Games.

Asian Games participants received 244.2 million baht while Asian Para Games participants got 109.72 million baht.

Thailand came eighth in the medal table of the Asian Games, held from September 23-October 8, with 12 golds, 14 silvers and 32 bronzes for a total of 58 medals.

Thai Para athletes did one better, coming seventh in the October 22-28 games with 27 golds, 26 silvers and 55 bronzes for a total of 108 medals.