Bangkok: Pornpawee Chochuwong, Thailand's number 1 female badminton player, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 SEA Games, raising concerns over inadequate support from the Badminton Association of Thailand. The Secretary-General of the association has expressed readiness to address the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Pornpawee, who is also the world number 6, visited the Sports Authority of Thailand to deliver a formal letter of withdrawal to the Badminton Association of Thailand. Mr. Udomsak Chuenkrut, serving as the association's secretary, was present to receive her letter.
Pornpawee cited a lack of sufficient support from the association as her primary reason for withdrawing. She highlighted that athletes often needed to resolve issues independently, without comprehensive backing from the management. This lack of support, she argued, hindered her ability to work effectively with the current association. Her letter of withdrawal also called for changes within the association, emphasizing that the ongoing situation could impede the growth of future athletes.
Furthermore, Pornpawee disclosed that the athletes' training allowance was significantly reduced from 60,000 baht to approximately 20,000 baht due to the athletes not completing the necessary physical tests mandated by the Sports Authority of Thailand. She expressed that her concern was not about the allowance itself but the fact that the association failed to communicate to the authority that badminton athletes compete year-round. The athletes were reportedly unaware of this requirement. To address this, she offered to refund the full amount if she withdrew from the SEA Games, as the funds were used for training and shuttlecock expenses.
Mr. Udomsak, the Secretary-General of the Badminton Association of Thailand, affirmed the association's desire for Pornpawee to represent the national team at the SEA Games, given her status as a leading Thai badminton player. He indicated plans to negotiate with Pornpawee, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Thai Olympic Committee to find a resolution to this issue.