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The Football Association of Thailand has postponed a press conference for its fundraising campaign, which includes selling T-shirts to help pay off debt worth dozens of millions of dollars, following the earthquake in Myanmar.
It had planned to hold the event on the morning of March 31 in Bangkok but the disaster prompted a change of plans.
"This is a time when priority must be given to supporting those in need," FAT said in an announcement. "The federation and its partners will postpone the press conference to reduce concerns about the current situation. The suitable time for the event will be announced later."
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Thai national football team players wear the "Thais Love Thai Football" T-shirts at their match against Sri Lanka at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, March 25, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Football Association of Thailand |
"Thais Love Thai Football" is FAT’s special campaign designed to help pay off its debt and sustainably develop Thai football. In addition to selling T-shirts, the campaign also calls for donations through fundraising activities such as concerts, stage plays, and friendly football matches.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, sending tremors that affected several areas in Thailand.
Bangkok reported at least 17 deaths and more than 100 people trapped after the collapse of a 34-story building under construction. The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in the capital.
According to local newspaper Thairath, the earthquake has affected the campaign's schedule. Donations for football may need to be temporarily paused to focus on disaster recovery efforts.
The first part of the campaign was carried out during Thailand's 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on March 25.
Thai players walked out onto the field wearing white T-shirts featuring a red heart and the campaign's name written in blue letters on the front. The back featured the number 12, implying that the fans are the 12th player.
The design was criticized as unappealing. Panthawat Nakwisut, who approved the design, had to apologize to fans and FAT president Nualphan Lamsam, famously known as Madam Pang. The campaign said new designs would be available when it is officially launched.
The association aims to sell three million T-shirts within 30 days to raise 300 million baht (US$8.8 million) to pay off its debt. Sales will continue even if the target is not met within the timeframe.
According to Siam Sport, each T-shirt costs about 90 baht to produce and is sold at 259 baht.
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Thai fans cheer on their team during the Thailand vs Sri Lanka match at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, March 25, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Football Association of Thailand |
FAT is currently facing debts exceeding 500 million baht ($14.8 million).
In 2016, then-president Somyot Poompanmoung unilaterally terminated FAT's broadcasting rights contract with media company Siam Sport. According to a Thai Supreme Court ruling on March 6, the association has to pay Siam Sport 360 million baht in compensation, plus around 200 million baht in interest calculated from the date the lawsuit was filed on Feb. 5, 2016.
Somyot's legacy also includes a 132-million-baht debt, which came to light after Madam Pang conducted an asset check upon taking office in early 2024. The former president also borrowed 155 million baht from FIFA in 2020, which must be repaid in ten installments by 2030. As a result, FIFA’s annual financial support for FAT has been reduced from 42 million baht to 25 million baht per year.
There are also suspicions that the 30 million baht paid for legal fees in the Siam Sport lawsuit was fraudulently inflated. Another 32 million baht is Somyot's salary that has yet to be returned to FAT.
During a press conference earlier this month, Madam Pang burst into tears while discussing the association’s debt.
"When I arrived, the association had nothing, only debt. I only ask for understanding and encouragement from the fans and the media," she said.
FAT has not initiated official legal proceedings against former president Somyot. A committee has been established to negotiate with Siam Sport.
