Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, Chairman of the Sub-committee on Sports Industry Promotion, and Mr. Preecha Laloon, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) jointly congratulated Mr. Teeralak Sangsnit, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand), Mr. Bundit Sapianchai, Chairman of EXIM Thailand?s Board of Executive Directors, and Dr. Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, EXIM Thailand?s President during the fund presentation ceremony held at EXIM Thailand?s Head Office on August 15, 2024 to support Thailand Practical Shooting Association (THPSA) and Thailand Extreme Sports Association (TESA) under the ?One Sport, One State Enterprise? project for 4 years in the total amount of 32 million bahtpoli. The granted fund was received on behalf of the two associations by General Permsak Puangsaroj, President of THPSA and Mr. Roj Muangkroot, Vice President of TESA. This support fund has marked a forward-looking step for EXIM Thailand under its new role as a responsible bank committee to societal achievement through the promotion and support of systematic development of sports as a soft power and uplifting Thai athletes to international levels. It would also help drive Thai economy and society via development of quality human resources for the professional sports industry which would further help boost the country?s global reputation.
EXIM Thailand?s President said that the ?One Sport, One State Enterprise? project aims to enable private entities and state enterprises to play a significant role in supporting various sports in a systematic and sustainable manner to promote and enhance Thai athletes? talents so that they would be able to compete successfully on the global stage. State enterprises is crucial in providing support athletes with access better to practice facilities and development of their sport-specific skills, and such supports, if continued consistently, would improve the athletes? practice efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, state enterprises can set a good example of sports support and encourage Thai people to take good care of their health with regular exercise for better physical and mental health along with spirit boost. The athletes? achievements can also serve as an inspiration for youth and the general public to engage in exercise and sports in a skillful and professional way. This will help drive systematic development of Thai sports circle, and create a broader range of sports related professions like coaches, trainers, referees, etc., alongside stimulating local and national economic activities with income generation to businesses such as hotels, restaurants and transport services. In view of this, the ?One Sport, One State Enterprise? project is considered a national benefit in terms of sports development, health promotion, economic strengthening, enhancement of the country?s reputation, and fostering public-private cooperation, all of which are essential for sustainable development of the country.
The ?One Sport, One State Enterprise? project is aimed at promoting and developing sports at all levels in conjunction with empowering Thai youth and local communities. EXIM Thailand?s support represents another prominent role of the Bank in joining the mechanism to drive Thai sports industry to excellence both at home and overseas. This is also in line with EXIM Thailand?s mission to support earnings of foreign exchange income, which is expected to reach at least 30 million baht per year from international sporting events hosted by the two associations. Moreover, EXIM Thailand has stayed firm in supporting sustainable development of this industry with systematic development of related professions, e.g., athletes, trainers, referees, etc., and potential enhancement of elite athletes in need of financial support. The Bank has extended the cooperation to cover promotion of good health and quality of life of its employees and their families by encouraging their participation in CSR activities or others that would improve their wellness and that of the society as well as their engagement with the organization. EXIM Thailand?s support fund will not only be in financial term, but also in value uplifting and improvement of efficiency and effectiveness in skill practice of athletes from both associations in order to generate concrete outcome for the sports circle, create positive impacts on the surrounding society, and propel sustainable development from local to national and global levels, added Dr. Rak.