Anti-doping law 'fix' sped up for Wada

Anti-doping law 'fix' sped up for Wada

Decree approved in line with Wada deal

The cabinet yesterday approved a draft executive decree amending the country's anti-doping law, saying the law is required as a quick fix for problems associated with the ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).

The amendments came in a draft executive decree instead of a bill because an agreement has been reached with Wada previously that Thailand would get the problems leading to the ban fixed by the end of January, said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

Any further delay in passing the law may indirectly cost the country about 50 billion baht per year in lost business opportunities, he said, adding the process of passing a bill into law will take considerably longer.

Thailand was declared non-compliant by Wada in October after failing to fully implement its 2021 anti-doping code and barred from hosting international tournaments.

Thai athletes are still allowed to compete in international tournaments but the national flag will not be flown at such events, excluding the Olympics and Paralympics.

Royal and parliamentary approval of the executive decree will be sought next before it comes into effect, Mr Wissanu said.

When it does become effective, the new law will authorise the Sports Authority of Thailand to begin negotiations with Wada over lifting the ban on Thailand, Mr Wissanu said.

He said he believes the negotiations will run smoothly and be successful because the government has worked closely with Wada while drafting the executive decree.

Asked if the ban would be lifted in time for the Southeast Asian Games next May, he said the government actually expects it to happen sooner, in time for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games that will run from March until April.

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