Regarding the movement for the election of the President of the Olympic Committee of Thailand and the new executive committee, which will be held at the Baan Amphawan office on March 25th at 09:30 AM, there have been 2 candidates who have announced their candidacy for the position of President of the Thai Olympics: 1. Mr. Suchai Pornchaisak-udom, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, and 2. Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand. At the same time, there is news that many sports associations are ready to support Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, to become the new President of the Thai Olympics.
Recently, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand disclosed regarding the matter that, according to the constitution of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, it is not the same as the IOC, which requires applying, thoroughly checking the applicant’s history from an independent central organization, and announcing the names of candidates before entering the election. However, the Thai Olympics uses the method of nomination on the day of the general meeting. Therefore, there is no need to submit an application or announce that she will run for the position of President of the Thai Olympics.
“However, if on that day, there are members who see that Patama can be beneficial to Thailand and nominate her for the position of President of the Thai Olympics at the general meeting, it depends on the members of the various sports associations who have the right to vote. If they see that we are beneficial and can work efficiently and effectively, we are ready to serve the sports industry,” said Khunying Patama.
Khunying Patama also mentioned the other candidates, saying that everyone who has announced themselves, believes that everyone has perfect qualifications, high work experience, leadership, and dedication, and is ready to devote their body, mind, and time to the Olympic Committee of Thailand. She believes that everyone sees athletes as the center, and everyone will do anything for the maximum benefit of the athletes and Thailand. At the same time, the executives of the 37 member sports associations of the Olympic Committee have presidents who are fully qualified, experts, and love the sports industry very much.
The reporter asked, in the case of “Seh Yod,” Pol. Gen. Intarat Yodbangtoey, President of the National Sports Associations Federation (Fonsza) and Honorary President of the Weightlifting Association of Thailand pointed out that the person who will become the President of the Thai Olympics must have power at the international level. Khunying Patama said that she believes that it is necessary. For example, when Thailand was banned for doping by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), or helped to negotiate the rights to broadcast the World Cup, including bringing innovations into the Thai sports industry, Patama stepped in to solve the problems. These things happen because of her connections that have built good relationships with international sports federations, including coordinating to resolve problems for sports associations that have conflicts with international sports federations so that they can work smoothly.
“For myself, I am ready to accept all the trust that comes in. If it is an opportunity to serve Thai people and Thai athletes, anything that brings benefits or fame to Thailand in the world sports arena, we are ready to serve everyone. As for the management team, everyone in the Thai Olympic Committee is lovely and capable. I believe that everyone in the Thai Olympic Committee is of high quality and has high experience. Everyone has been here before and has knowledge and ability, so it is not a problem for sure,” said Thailand’s only IOC member in closing.
The process of electing the new Olympic president begins with the Sports Association of Thailand, which is a member of the Olympic Committee, all 37 associations will nominate representatives of the association to be elected to serve as the new Olympic Executive Committee.
Then, 37 associations will vote to select 23 people from 37 people to serve as executive committee members, together with the representative of the International Olympic Committee of Thailand (Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul) and the representative of Thai Olympic athletes (currently Chanathip Sonkham), totaling 25 people. Following that, 37 member sports associations will vote to select 10 “qualified persons” in the new Olympic Committee term.
When 10 qualified persons have been added, together with the 25 new executive committee members, totaling 35 people, they will meet to allocate positions and select the “appropriate person” to hold the position of President of the Olympic Committee. If more than one person is nominated to compete, the 35 eligible voters will vote in a “secret ballot” and then count the votes.
For the 37 regular member sports associations of the Olympic Committee that have the right to vote, consisting of Polo, Sepak Takraw, Ski and Snowboard, Pentathlon, Rugby, Shooting, Boxing, Basketball, Golf, Ice Hockey, Figure and Speed Skating, Handball, Taekwondo, Rowing, Triathlon, Baseball, Equestrian, Softball, Fencing, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Sailing, Cycling, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Bowling, Swimming, Shooting, Judo, Hockey, Gymnastics, Football, Volleyball, Badminton, Athletics, Archery, and Climbing.
