Pimol Srivikorn has been named the new president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) after winning an election marred by a walkout by rival candidate Suchai Pornchaisakudom.
The 61-year-old president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand emerged victorious in the contest to replace Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, securing the top job in Thai sports and ushering in a new era for the organisation.
He succeeded the former deputy prime minister, whose reign ended after his election defeat and subsequent loss of the presidency of the Thailand Aquatics Association last November. Mr Pimol is the organisation’s eighth president and the first civilian in 60 years to be elected to the top office.
Before the voting began on Tuesday, Mr Suchai and his supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the transparency of the selection process for athletes eligible to cast ballots.
Prof Charoen Wattanasin, the election chair, dismissed the objections, prompting Mr Suchai and his team to walk out.
Immediately following his walkout, Mr Suchai left the committee headquarters and was expected to regroup with his supporters at the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand in Muang Thong Thani.
Gen Wit Thephasadin na Ayutthaya, the NOCT secretary-general, warned that if concerns over the election’s legitimacy were not addressed, the matter could end up being reviewed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the Administrative Court in Thailand. (Story continues below)
Pimol Srivikorn receives a bouquet of flowers from Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul after being elected the new president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand on Tuesday. (Photo supplied)
The debate prior to Tuesday’s election centred on the eligibility of two new athlete voters — Tewin Hanprab (2016 Olympic silver medalist in taekwondo) and Tanyaporn Prucksakorn (Olympic shooter) — who were granted voting rights over Kaew Pongprayoon, the 2012 Olympic boxing silver medalist, who was excluded from voting.
Meanwhile, Yaowapha Burapolchai, president of the Thai Olympic Athletes Association, insisted both Tawin and Thanyaporn were selected in accordance with the Thai Olympic charter.
Following his victory, Mr Pimol expressed gratitude to the sports federations for their trust in his leadership.
“The NOCT will now operate more proactively, moving away from the bureaucratic approach of the past. Our priority will be to support national sports associations in every way possible,” he said.
He further emphasised that policies regarding athlete allowances and SEA Games prize money would need approval from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), requiring discussions with Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
“One critical issue is the delay in financial support. At present, even after budget approval, associations often wait four months before receiving funds. This must be addressed urgently,” he added.
Mr Pimol also denied there was a rift within the organisation after Tuesday’s incident.
“We are all sports professionals. We must accept both victory and defeat with grace. Ultimately, our shared success — whether at the SEA Games, Asian Games, or the Olympics — reflects Thailand’s global standing in sports.”
He also denied there was a rift within the organisation after yesterday’s incident.