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Madam Pang has called on football fans to stand by her in the legal battle against former Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Somyot Pumpanmuang over a compensation claim of 360 million baht (US$10.65 million).
Nualphan Lamsam, commonly known as Madam Pang, posted a message on her Facebook page on Wednesday, encouraging supporters to trust her leadership amid the ongoing legal dispute.
"Keep fighting. Thank you for always following and encouraging me.
"I believe that everything I have conveyed is based on good intentions and is for the common benefit of FAT, which belongs to all Thai football fans. From now on, we will proceed step by step in the lawsuit against Somyot Pumpanmuang and those involved, according to the announced schedule," she wrote.
She said she has brought the matter to the Parliament and filed a civil lawsuit against Pumpanmuang and his administration with a special government committee, according to Siam Sport.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Madam Pang became emotional as she accused Pumpanmuang and his administration (2016-2024) of causing severe financial damage to the federation.
She mentioned FAT had massive debts due to mismanagement and was now being forced to compensate media company Siam Sport 360 million baht for an improperly terminated contract during Pumpanmuang's tenure in 2016, as ruled by a Supreme Court's decision.
"When I took over, there was nothing but debt. I ask for the sympathy and support of football fans and the media," she said.
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Thailand football president Madam Pang. Photo by Facebook/Madam Pang |
Madam Pang revealed that FAT had only 27 million baht in its account when she took over the office last year, while carrying a 132 million baht debt. Additionally, the federation had borrowed 155 million baht from FIFA, which must be repaid in annual installments, deducted from FIFA's financial support to FAT every year.
She said the termination of the contract with Siam Sport had severely impacted Thai football, leading to financial liabilities for the federation.
"The termination of the Siam Sport contract was neither right nor fair. It was done before I became FAT president. I have immediately brought this issue to the FAT executive board. Under Article 76 of the Civil and Commercial Code, the second defendant in the case is the former FAT president and the executive board at the time," she added.
Madam Pang, 57, is a businesswoman, politician and scion of one of Thailand's wealthiest families. She is a prominent figure in Thai football, having played pivotal roles in both men's and women's teams over the past decade.
In February 2024, she made history to become the first woman elected as the 18th president of FAT, winning the majority of votes.
The legal battle with her predecessor has caused a major shock in Thai football.
Pumpanmuang issued an official response to the case through certain media sources on Wednesday, Thairath reported.
"I didn’t watch Madam Pang’s press conference live, but I was later informed about it. Regarding the accusations made against me, I am currently collecting all relevant information. I will clarify my position once I have reviewed the order of events," Pumpanmuang stated.
The controversy came as Thailand national and U23 teams were preparing for crucial matches.
The national team is set to face Afghanistan in an international friendly on March 21, followed by their opening match in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka on March 25.
The U23 team will compete in the Doha Cup friendly tournament in Qatar, as part of their preparations for SEA Games 33 later this year.
