Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Madam Pang has spent 25 million baht (US$745,000) of her own money to help the organization avoid asset seizure under a court order.
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Madam Pang (R) announced a personal donation of 25 million baht to help the Football Association of Thailand with its debt on April 23, 2025. Photo by FAT |
The debt of 360 million baht ($10.72 million), owed to Siam Sport Co. Ltd., was ordered by the court to be paid immediately.
While trying to find a solution, Madam Pang decided to spend 25 million baht out of her pocket as a deposit payment with Siam Sport to prevent law enforcement from confiscating or freezing FAT's assets.
Madam Pang revealed her contribution during a press conference on Wednesday, following a FAT meeting two days earlier, Thairath reported.
In addition, Madam Pang spent another 5 million baht to create a fund for the board of directors to cover operational expenses as FAT is in a cash flow crisis.
At the press conference, Madam Pang officially launched the campaign "Thai People Love Thai Football," aimed at generating new revenue streams to help FAT manage its debt and maintain operations. The campaign was initially scheduled to launch on March 31 but was postponed due to the Myanmar earthquake that also affected Bangkok on March 28.
As part of the campaign, a stage play has been organized to raise 30 million baht, with reports indicating that half the target has already been achieved. There will also be merchandise sales, including campaign-themed T-shirts that will be available beginning with the friendly match against India on June 4.
In the coming weeks, FAT will also lead a roadshow through Bangkok, Songkhla, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, bringing national team players to meet local influencers and former players in an effort to bolster support and visibility. Additionally, the federation is calling for public and corporate donations.
An official statement from FAT revealed that Madam Pang is doing everything in her power to resolve the financial burden quickly so that the operations of national teams and professional football leagues are not affected.
The financial crisis stemmed from the previous administration of FAT. In 2016, then-president Somyot Poompanmoung unilaterally terminated a television rights contract with Siam Sport. On March 6, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Siam Sport, ordering FAT to pay 360 million baht in damages, plus approximately 200 million baht in interest since the lawsuit was filed on Feb. 5, 2016.
Upon assuming office in early 2024, Madam Pang’s internal audit also revealed a 132 million baht debt under Poompanmoung’s tenure. In addition, there was also a 155 million baht loan taken from FIFA in 2020, which must be repaid in ten annual installments until 2030. As a result, FIFA’s annual support to FAT was reduced from 42 million baht to 25 million baht.
Furthermore, 30 million baht was spent on legal fees related to the Siam Sport lawsuit, a figure that was said to be inflated, and another 32 million baht covering unpaid salary that Poompanmoung has not returned to FAT.
On March 11, during an emotional press conference, Madam Pang broke down in tears as she described the tough financial situation she encountered upon taking office.
While FAT has not yet filed a formal lawsuit against former president Poompanmoung, a committee has been established to open negotiations with Siam Sport, with discussions expected to begin on May 11.
Madam Pang, 59, real name Nualphan Lamsam, hails from one of Thailand’s most prominent and wealthiest families. In February 2024, she was elected president of FAT with a record 68 out of 73 votes, thus becoming the first woman to lead a national football federation in Thailand and the first in Asia.
