Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the Government aims to develop Thailand as a regional center for sports development and use sports events to promote international cooperation.

The Prime Minister welcomed President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who paid a courtesy call on him on 25 April 2026 at Government House. During the Prime Minister’s meeting with the OCA President, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa also joined the meeting.

The OCA President was pleased to visit Thailand and commended the country for its role in promoting sports at all levels, especially for youth development, which would help enhance life skills and discipline, as well as fostering international understanding. He reaffirmed OCA’s readiness to cooperate with Thailand in expanding opportunities for Thai youth to have greater access to sports. 

On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the Thai government’s intention to use sports as an important instrument to develop people’s potential, skills, and quality of life, while creating a peaceful society and cultivating Olympic values.

Both sides shared the view that, apart from the competition dimension, sports also serve as a powerful tool to promote unity, peace, and youth empowerment, as well as being the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani on his position as the new OCA President and commended his active role in strengthening the Olympic movement in Asia.

OCA and National Olympic Committee of Thailand have maintained a close, longstanding partnership. focused on sports development, youth training, and hosting major regional events.