Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hosted a reception for the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and Asean Para Games athletes and officials at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday to celebrate their achievements at the Cambodia tournaments.
A total sum of 338,555,000 million baht in cash rewards were handed out to the athletes and sport associations for their performances in Cambodia.
The athletes from 38 sports associations who took part in the SEA Games received nearly 240 million baht cash awards while the Asean Para Games athletes from four sports associations got around 100 million baht.
Among the sports associations that had the biggest payday were takraw (29,070,000 baht), rowing and canoeing (26,880,000 baht), hockey (24,570,000 baht), swimming (15,037,500 baht), cricket (20,475,000 baht) and athletics (15,750,000 baht).
The Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand received 66,500,000 baht.
"I see some familiar faces today. We've met several times already," said Gen Prayut.
"It is again my pleasure to reward all of you [athletes] with these cash incentives.
"In the name of the Thai government and the Thai people, I would like to congratulate you all for your success. I hope you continue to improve your performance," the outgoing prime minister added.
"I would also like to encourage athletes, team managers and all the people involved in bringing home the success. This showed your determination, discipline and I hope these awards will encourage you to continue to work hard for your country and bring more success.
"The government is ready to support you in order to improve the potential of Thai athletes.
"For those who did not win any medals, I urge you to continue to train hard, improve your performance."
The Thai SEA Games contingent finished second in the overall medal standings, with 108 gold, 95 silver and 108 bronze medals while the Asean Para Games team also finished second overall, bringing home 127 gold, 109 silver and 93 bronze medals.