Bangkok: "Surasak" pushes forward the Prime Minister's Youth Cup, opening a nationwide platform for football and volleyball, nurturing local youth into rising professional sports stars. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced its commitment to creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for Thai youth nationwide, launching the Prime Minister's Youth Cup, a major sporting event. The aim is to expand access to standardized competitions down to the local level, using sports as a tool to develop skills, promote health, and pave the way for young people to become professional athletes in a tangible way.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the first meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Games in 2026 to accelerate the project's implementation for maximum benefit to youth. The working methods were adjusted to be more accessible to the public, with key agenda items including distributing opportunities equally across all regions. The meeting resolved to appoint a "Provincial Competition Management Subcommittee" alongside the football and volleyball working groups to break down previous limitations and ensure that youth in all areas across the country, whether in cities or rural districts, will have a platform and opportunity to showcase their athletic potential close to home.
Creating a space to showcase talent and keep away from social problems is a significant focus. This competition aims to be a positive space for youth to use their free time constructively, keeping them away from drugs and vices. It also provides a platform to gain real-world experience that may lead to opportunities for scholarships or becoming national athletes in the future.
The initiative is also pushing forward with a 5-year plan to build confidence among parents and athletes. To ensure the continuity of this policy, the Ministry has secured budget support for 2026-2027 and is in the process of preparing a long-term 5-year competition management plan (2028-2032) for consideration by the Cabinet. This will ensure that this platform provides a solid and sustainable foundation for future generations of youth.
This meeting reflects the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' commitment not only to excellence in sports but also to giving back to society, using the Prime Minister's Youth Cup project as a key driver in developing high-quality youth who are physically and mentally strong, to become vital contributors to the country's development in the future.