The Phuket Sports Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Sports Association and the Phuket office of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) held the official awards ceremony at the Chao Fah Meeting Room on the 5th floor of Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday (Jan 7).
In addition to congratulating athletes who brought recognition and honour to Phuket province across a range of national competitions last year, cash prizes ranging from B10,000 to B2,000 were distributed to medal winners.
The prize money was awarded to athletes from four major national sporting events in 2025. First was the 39th National Youth Games, otherwise known as the “Ratchaburi Games”, which was held from Mar 21-31, 2024 in Ratchaburi province, where a total of 32 medals were won, consisting of 10 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze. The success meant Phuket was ranked a respectable 5th in the Southern region and 19th nationally.
Next was the 6th annual National Senior Games, fondly known as the “Muang Ong Games”, which was held in Ratchaburi Province between Apr 19-26. Phuket registered a highly impressive 51 medal haul, consisting of 20 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze. The achivements resulted in team Phuket ranking 3rd in the Southern region and 8th nationally.
Phuket won a total of 36 medals at the 49th National Games in Chanthaburi between Dec 9-20, 2024, made up of five gold, 13 silver and 18 bronze which left them ranked 9th in the Southern region and 37th nationally. Despite being staged in late 2024, the achievements were recognised and included in the 2025 calendar year, given the close proximity timewise.
Finally was the 39th National Games for People with Disabilities, othwerwise known as the “Anymanee Games”, which was held from Jan 25-31, 2025 in Chanthaburi province. Team Phuket registered 10 medals overall, consisting of four gold medals, two silver and four bronze ro rank 7th in the Southern region and 25th nationally.
All medalists received cash prizes at the Jan 7 ceremony, with B10,000 going to gold medal winners, B3,000 to silver medal winners and B2,000 to bronze medal winners. The award of a cash prize is intended to boost morale and inspire athletes to continuously develop themselves in both sports and life, while bringing proud recognition to Phuket province at both regional and national levels, said officials.
The ceremony was overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, who was joined by: Thamawath Wongcharoenyos, SAT Committee Member and President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association; Thanawut Petchara, Director of the SAT Phuket office; Boonchuan Panich, Assistant Judge of the Court of Appeals Region 8; Pol. Col. Kitipong Klaikaew, Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police; Chalam Atthatham, Deputy Mayor of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO); Dr. Wittaya Ketchu, Director of Phuket Vocational College; in addition to selected committee members of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association, distinguished guests, coaches, athletes and athlete representatives.
Vice Governor Suwit delivered the opening remarks and congratulated all athletes for their collective success, praising their dedication and sacrifice, whilst declaring his admiration for their abilities, efforts and achievements.
He also explained the importance of such achievements highlighting the successful development of youngsters in sport, in line with Phuket province’s goals. Many of these promising young athletes will hopefully be motivated to continue to train hard and progress to become professional athletes and represent their country at national level competition, he added.
Looking forward Mr Suwit said the achievements in the past year should give young athletes from Phuket great confidence and encouragement ahead of their participation in the 41st National Youth Games, Region 4 Qualifying Round, known as the “Southern Gateway Games”, which starts in Chumphon tomorrow (Jan 12) and runs until Jan 22.
He urged all participating athletes to compete to the best of their abilities, emphasising mindfulness, concentration and unity, while also stressing the importance of competing with respect, courtesy and the highest levels of adherence to the moral and ethical principles of sportsmanship. All athletes should humbly accept success and learn from mistakes to improve themselves in the future, he added.
Such an approach should hopefully ensure success in this and future competition for the athletes, resulting in continued honour and pride being bestowed on them, their families and the province of Phuket, Vice Governor Suwit concluded.