The 74th Fifa Congress kicked off in Thailand on Monday, casting a global spotlight on the nation as a premier destination for sports communities, with over 3,000 figures from the worldwide football community in attendance.
Patama: Sports tourism a national agenda
Participants from the six continental football federations and representatives from 211 member countries, including Fifa President Gianni Infantino and football icons, are attending the event that runs until Friday.
The congress marks a significant achievement as Thailand is the first Asean nation and the sixth in Asia to host the event.
A highlight of the congress is the official vote on Friday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok to determine the host nation for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, which is between a joint bid of three European countries: Belgium, Germany, Netherlands versus a sole bid by Brazil.
Beyond the congress, many activities will be held, from friendly football matches featuring legendary players to community social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the inauguration of the Football Association of Thailand’s headquarters, funded by Fifa.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will on Wednesday host a reception for executives and VIP guests of Fifa at Government House.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and Fifa President Gianni Infantino at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia
Thai football chief Nualphan Lamsam, right, welcomes Fifa president Gianni Infantino on Sunday. (Photo supplied)
The prime minister earlier said he was pleased that Thailand had been honoured to host the conference and considered it a proud achievement for the country. He has extended his gratitude to all government agencies for their collaborative efforts, which have afforded Thailand this opportunity.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and chairperson of the Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission, has welcomed Fifa guests.
“I extend the warmest welcome to my comrade in the Olympic Movement, Mr Infantino, the president of Fifa, together with all esteemed delegation from Fifa, to the 74th Fifa Congress in Thailand,” she said, adding that Thailand has been steadfast in promoting sports tourism as a cornerstone of its national agenda.
Khunying Patama said Thailand believes in the power of sports to unite nations, foster cultural exchange, and promote goodwill across borders.
“Thailand offers a myriad of opportunities for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike. Whether it is exploring our world-class sporting facilities, engaging in local sporting events, or simply basking in the warm hospitality of our people, Thailand truly has something to offer for everyone,” she said.
Khunying Patama, a business leader and philanthropist, also extended her congratulations to the Football Association of Thailand, its president Nualphan Lamsam and former president Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung for their tremendous effort and initiative in bringing the Fifa Congress to Thailand.
This achievement, she said, marks a significant milestone in the development of football in Thailand, which is the first country in Southeast Asia to host such a high-level event.
Ms Nualphan expressed immense pride, saying that being the first in Asean and only the fifth in Asia to host such an event is a testament to Thailand’s capabilities. It’s the biggest off-field event ever to grace Thailand, and we believe it will leave a lasting impression on all attendees, she said.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, believes the congress will not only generate revenue of over 228 million baht for the country but also create other positive economic impacts, adding approximately 126 million baht to the economy and generate over 160 jobs.
Furthermore, he said it solidifies Thailand as the ultimate destination for global sports communities.
Official Statement Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul IOC Member in Thailand
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend the warmest welcome to my comrade in the Olympic Movement, Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, together with all esteemed delegation from 211 member associations of FIFA, to the 74th FIFA Congress, which will be held from 13th to 17th May 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand, under the visionary policies set forth by the Royal Government and able leadership of the Prime Minister, H.E. Srettha Thavisin, has been steadfast in promoting sports tourism as a cornerstone of our national agenda. We believe in the power of sports to unite nations, foster cultural exchange and promote goodwill across borders. As an IOC Member in Thailand, I am deeply committed to advancing these initiatives and leveraging the transformative potential of sports tourism.
In line with this commitment, I welcome all FIFA delegation around the world to experience the beauty and vibrancy of Thailand. From our rich cultural heritage to our stunning landscape, Thailand offers a myriad of opportunities for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike. Whether it is exploring our world-class sporting facilities, engaging in local sporting events, or simply basking in the warm hospitality of our people, Thailand truly has something to offer for everyone.
As we gather to celebrate the intersection of sports and diplomacy, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to foster the Olympic Values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship. Together, we can build a brighter future where sports serve as a catalyst for positive change and global unity.
In addition, I would like to extend my congratulation to the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), specifically to Mrs. Nualphan Lamsam, the current President of FAT and Police General Somyot Poompanmoung, the former President of FAT, for their tremendous effort and initiative in bringing the FIFA Congress to Thailand. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of Football in Thailand as Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to host such a prestigious event.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt welcome to our distinguished guests from FIFA. May your time in Thailand be filled with memorable experience and a fruitful 74th FIFA Congress.