PUBLISHED : 16 Feb 2024 at 04:00
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is to launch a one-stop service centre to help facilitate Thai athletes competing abroad.
One of the difficulties Thai sportspeople face when looking to compete abroad is obtaining a visa from the destination country, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee said yesterday.
The difficult process of getting visas adds to the burden of sportspeople who are already overwhelmed by other responsibilities, including training and finding venues to practice, Mr Jakkapong said.
Visa processes dragging on has seen some Thai athletes miss out on the chance to compete in global competitions. Many times, delays in the issuance of a visa have also limited their ability to practice abroad, he added.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry previously raised the issue, he said.
As a result, the MFA came up with the idea of a one-stop service facility for Thai sportspeople.
Mr Jakkapong said the ministry would act as the focal point to facilitate travel, including the issuance of passports to all athletes regardless of age or level of competition, and coordinating the issuance of visas by embassies.
“I’d like to start this initiative from today,” he said.
Athletes wishing to compete overseas should submit a request to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
The MFA’s Consular Department will then process the SAT-approved requests and help with the visa applications.
All necessary information will be submitted by the MFA to a Thai embassy or consul general overseas.
In 2023, there were 19 cases where the MFA helped Thai athletes travel to compete abroad.
“This number is small compared to the large number of people who have a strong potential in sports. These great athletes, who should have the chance to participate in global competitions, unfortunately, end up competing at the domestic level.
“Therefore, we will support all kinds of sportspeople and provide them with help no matter what type of sports they are to compete in, including e-sports,” Mr Jakkapong said.