‘Madam Pang’ submits application, considered favourite for FAT top job
THAILAND NATIONAL TEAM MANager Nualphan Lamsam became the first candidate to officially submit her nomination for the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) presidential election on Dec 6.
“Today, I am feeling really excited. I have been associated with Thai football for a long time and it’s my intention to make things better,” said Nualphan, nicknamed ‘Madame Pang’ by the media, after handing her nomination papers to officials at the FAT headquarters.
“I’ll initiate several projects aimed at improving the standard of our national teams. I have the support of 65 Thai league clubs who have the right to vote in the election, but let’s wait and see poll result first,” she added.
“There are a number of other issues that need to be tackled soon, including problems related to the payment of subsidies to Thai League 2 and 3 clubs and the issue of live broadcast rights for Thai League 1.
“The FAT’s main problem is a lack of sponsorship, so I will work in close cooperation with the Minister of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand and also the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to generate more funds for the association.
Meanwhile, current FAT chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang told media after the FAT had received Nualphan’s nomination that he thinks she is the right person for the job.
“I don’t see anyone around who is more capable than Khun Nualphan to lead the FAT,” he said.
The FAT presidential election will take place on Feb 8 next year once incumbent association chief Somyot has relinquished his post.
Former Thai League secretary-general and ex-FAT spokesman Warong Thiuthas became the second candidate to submit his application for the job on Dec 7.
Three others, Pauline Ngarmpring, Thanasak Suraprasert and Surachai Niwatphan, also submitted their applications for the post last Friday (Dec 8).
At time of press, other candidates including Pavin Bhirombhakdi, Annop Sintothong, Adisak Benjasiriwan, Dr Chanvit Phalajivin and Viluck Lohthong were expected to submit their nominations before tomorrow’s (Dec 16) 5pm deadline.