Thailand finished as overall champions of the 2025 biennial tournament with a record-breaking 233 gold, 154 silver and 113 bronze medals.
According to the SEA Games prize scheme, a gold medallist receives B300,000, silver medal winners get B150,000 and a bronze receives B75,000.
The money was digitally transferred to the sports associations during the ceremony held at the Huamark Indoor Stadium, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), on Friday (Dec 26), reports the Bangkok Post.
The rowing and canoeing association, which delivered 12 gold, nine silver, and five bronze medals, received the largest share of the bonus, totalling B36,832,500.
The hockey association, who won four gold, one silver and three bronze medals, received B34,020,000 and the takraw association, which produced six golds, three silver and two bronze, earned B25,207,500.
The ju-jitsu association, which won the most gold medals with 14 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals, received a bonus of B24,585,000. The aquatics association pocketed B24,900,000 from winning 11 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals and the kabaddi association received B22,185,000 from winning four gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
The athletics association received B18,225,000 from getting 13 gold, 13 silver and 4 bronze medals, the ice hockey team received B14,490,000 from one gold and one silver medal while the volleyball association received B14,010,000 from winning two gold and two silver medals.
The cricket association received B12,600,000 from two gold medals rounded off the top 10 biggest earners.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, who presided over Friday’s ceremony, congratulated all the recipients.
“On behalf of the government and the Thai people, I would like to express my admiration for the athletes, coaches, sports associations, officials, and all those involved who participated in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, for the success of the Thai national team.
“They were able to win a total of 233 gold medals, 154 silver medals, and 113 bronze medals. This is a result of the sacrifices, both physical and mental, of everyone involved, and it also demonstrates the potential and capabilities of athletes, sports personnel, and sports associations to the international community.
“I sincerely hope that the success and awards you have received today will serve as encouragement for you to further develop your abilities and I wish you all success in future competitions.
“For the athletes who did not win medals this time, I encourage you all to continue training and developing your potential to achieve success in future competitions. I offer my encouragement and wish you all happiness and prosperity,” he added.
Dr Patpong Pongsakul, inspector-general of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Dr Gongsak Yodmani, the SAT governor, and Tanukiat Junchum, manager of the National Sports Development Fund attended the ceremony.