Thailand to open sports university

BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) - The Thai government plans to establish a sports university and to reward winning Thai athletes at the ongoing Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore with cash prizes. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha told journalists on Tuesday morning, before the Cabinet meeting in Bangkok, that he is happy Thailand is the football championship in the 28th SEA Games in Singapore, promising that Thai athletes will have their prizes. The prime minister said he watched the football final on Monday night and he was glad with Thailand's victory. The prime minister stressed that cash prizes for winning Thai athletes will be presented in compliance with the regulation of the national fund for sports development. Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul pointed out that Thailand's championship in SEA Games has resulted from the determination of Thai athletes and coaches, while her ministry now plans to open a new sports university. The minister pledged that the government will continue to support sports and develop Thai athletes, coaches and sports sciences. According to the tourism and sports minister, a reception is planned for Thai athletes after they return home from the 28th SEA Games and some of them will meet the prime minister. Regarding sponsorships for athletes from the sports development fund of the Sports Authority of Thailand, the minister confirmed that there is enough money. On the possibility of hosting the next SEA Games in 2019, the minister noted that Thailand will wait to see whether the Philippines will host the games in place of Brunei. (TNA)