Bangkok:The 2026 Asian Games concluded with Thailand's national team surpassing expectations by winning 18 gold medals, exceeding their initial target of 14-15 gold medals. Athletics emerged as the standout, contributing 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal to the tally. This success included Puripol Boonsorn being named the first Thai and ASEAN MVP of the Asian Games. Sailing also performed notably, securing 2 gold medals, while equestrian and MMA delivered unexpected gold medal wins. In contrast, sepak takraw fell short of its goal, attaining only 2 gold medals instead of the projected 4, and golf managed only a bronze.
According to Thai News Agency, the Sports Journalists and Photographers Association of Thailand, alongside 46 other organizations, held a Meet the Press event in Japan for the 20th Asian Games, which ran from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The overall target was set at 14 gold medals across 11 sports associations, including sepak takraw, teqball, kurash, jujitsu, taekwondo, golf, athletics, sailing, and esports.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) aimed for at least 15 gold medals, with a goal of finishing in the top 6 in Asia. Targeted sports included sepak takraw, teqball, boxing, athletics, taekwondo, sailing, weightlifting, golf, badminton, jujitsu, and esports. Differences in medal predictions existed between the SAT and the Thai Sports Journalists and Photographers Association.
Thailand ultimately finished in 7th place overall, with the 18 gold medals won by 12 different sports associations. Noteworthy performances included teqball's 3 golds, and single golds from badminton, volleyball, jujitsu, boxing, and MMA. The athletics and sailing associations notably exceeded their targets, while badminton, volleyball, and boxing met their goals.