Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee, has said she will be ready to take over the helm of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand if she receives support from sports associations.
So far, only Suchai Pornchaisakudom, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, and Pimol Srivakorn, president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, have officially announced their intention to run for the position of NOCT president.
The NOCT presidential election is scheduled to take place on March 25, as the hunt for a new leader of Thailand's apex sports body continues.
Khunying Patama, who is also the president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, has long been rumoured to be joining the race but has yet to announce her candidacy.
"According to the constitution of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, it is not required to submit an application to run for the presidency," said Khunying Patama.
"A nomination can be made on the day of the general meeting. Therefore, there is no need to submit an application or announce that you will run for the position of president of NOCT," she added.
"If on that day there are members who see that I am the right person for the job and that I will be able to be beneficial to Thai sports and nominate me for the position during the general meeting, then I will be ready to take on the role."
Khunying Patama believes both Suchai and Pimol are qualified candidates with a lot of experience, leadership qualities and dedication.
"I believe that everyone has to prioritise athletes' interests. The executive members of the 37 associations all have the right qualifications and love for sports."
She also agreed with the notion that the new NOCT leader should be someone who is recognised both domestically and internationally. "I believe that it is necessary for the new NOCT president to be someone with international ties. For example, when Thailand was banned due to doping violations by the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] or when we negotiated the rights to broadcast the World Cup. These issues can be handled through connections and good relationships with international federations."