Bangkok: Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has put forward a proposal to the Cabinet for the separation of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aiming to establish a dedicated Ministry of Sports. The initiative includes a strategic focus on "sports science and sports economics" and the creation of two national institutions designed to elevate Thai sports to an international level.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak presented this agenda item to the Cabinet with the objective of restructuring public sector administration by formally distinguishing between "tourism" and "sports." This separation is intended to enhance Thailand's competitiveness in a targeted and effective manner. Mr. Surasak emphasized that the separation is not merely administrative but is intended to unlock the potential of Thai sports and empower them to progress significantly.
Under the proposed Ministry of Sports, the approach will be more proactive and intensive, differing from previous operations. The new ministry aims to advance national sports science by prioritizing the application of science, technology, and innovation in sports. This will help systematically develop Thai athletes to meet international standards, from youth to professional levels.
The policy also includes transforming sports into a value-added economic industry, promoting the hosting of world-class sporting events to attract investment, and using sports for social development. The proposal includes promoting regional access to sports and supporting sports promotion projects based on royal initiatives to build a strong community-level sports foundation.
The proposal also outlines the establishment of two national-level organizations: one for "Muay Thai" to preserve and promote the sport as a symbol of Thai identity, and another focused on "anti-doping" to ensure compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards.
The tourism-related responsibilities will transition to a new "Ministry of Culture and Tourism," while the Ministry of Sports will integrate with existing sports agencies, such as the Sports Authority of Thailand and the National Sports University, to carry out its new mission.
Mr. Surasak stated that the Ministry has been allocated a budget of 15,061.61 million baht for the fiscal year 2027, with nearly 6 billion baht designated for sports. This funding will be essential for implementing the strategic plan of the new Ministry of Sports.
The process of establishing the new ministry is currently in a phase of study and detailed discussion, with an aim to amend laws, transfer assets, and manage personnel effectively to ensure a smooth transition and maximize benefits for the long-term development of Thai sports.