Thailand wants to host Youth Olympic Games in 2026

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed gratitude for Thailand’s chances to demonstrate its sports organisation potential as Thailand is poised to vie for the rights to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026. Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said Gen Prayut shared his views during a meeting with Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee. In the meeting the prime minister praised the IOC for supporting Thailand and Thai athletes in past Olympic Games and allowing Thailand to show off its potential in organizing international sports events. “Thailand is actively developing its sports capacities, especially training centres, in order to become a regional hub of sports. Besides, the government is promoting sports tourism to increase choices for tourists. On the occasion the prime minister asked the president of the International Olympic Committee to include ‘Muay Thai’ in the 33rd Olympic Games in 2024 in Paris,” the deputy government spokesman said. Besides, Thailand proposed to host the 5th Youth Olympic Games in 2026. Lt Gen Werachon said Thailand was confident of its potential to host the event regarding its past roles in organizing many international sports events. The OIC president said he visited Thailand to attend the SportAccord Convention 2018. In the trip, he said he visited the Sports Science Center of the Sports Authority of Thailand and saw Thailand’s potential to host the Youth Olympic Games. (TNA)