Thailand Places 7th, Tops ASEAN at Asian Para Games
Thailand finished seventh overall and first in ASEAN at the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, winning 19 gold, 40 silver, and 66 bronze medals. The Sports Authority of Thailand praised the athletes' record-breaking performances and announced prize money will be awarded within seven days.
Thailand's para-athletes delivered a strong performance at the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, finishing seventh overall with 19 gold, 40 silver, and 66 bronze medals while retaining the top spot in ASEAN ahead of Indonesia. The Games concluded on October 24, 2026, with Thailand ranking behind only China, Japan, Uzbekistan, India, South Korea, and Iran.
SAT Governor Prodpran Somanmit praised the Thai para team for their fighting spirit throughout the competition. Although the target of 27 gold medals was not met due to intense competition, she commended every athlete's dedication. More than 70 percent of the Thai delegation won medals, and many set new records. Notably, wheelchair racer Athiwat Paengnuea equaled the world record in the men's 100m T54, matching Portugal's Balde Mamudo, while multiple records fell in athletics and swimming. Boccia star Wisit Huadpradit claimed his fifth consecutive gold, leading Thailand to top the boccia standings.
Governor Prodpran highlighted that nearly half the team were first-time competitors who performed exceptionally. Rising star swimmer Nithikon Chiamphiriyakul, competing for the first time, won two gold, two silver, and one bronze. She noted that Thai athletes reached many finals but narrowly lost in several close matches, yet their progress was statistically clear compared to four years ago.
The governor said lessons from these Games would drive further improvement toward the 2027 ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. The SAT, through the National Sports Development Fund, will hold a prize-giving ceremony within seven days: 1,000,000 baht for gold, 500,000 baht for silver, and 250,000 baht for bronze.