Thailand stunned as Madam Pang reveals: 'There was nothing but debt' in football association

During a press conference on Mar. 11, Madam Pang broke down in tears as she revealed FAT was burdened with over 132 million baht (US$3.6 million) in debt from the previous administration, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

The association also lost a lawsuit against Siam Sport, resulting in a 360-million-baht compensation order.

Additionally, FAT owes FIFA US$5 million from a 2020 loan, which must be repaid by 2030.

Allegations of financial mismanagement and potential money laundering have also surfaced, particularly regarding the sale of Thai League broadcasting rights and data analysis services abroad, according to Thanh Nien citing Thairath.

Madam Pang ordered an audit before officially taking office, revealing FAT had just 27 million baht in liquid assets—far less than previously believed.

"When I took over, there was nothing but debt. I ask for the sympathy and support of football fans and the media," she said. "These problems must be solved by me and the board, but they did not arise during my time. I am a woman with feelings, and I feel disheartened by negative comments."

Madam Pang, president of the Football Association of Thailand. Photo courtesy of Madam Pang's Instagram

She further accused Somyot and his team of misusing funds, including spending 30 million baht on legal fees for the Siam Sport lawsuit, despite initial court costs being significantly lower.

Somyot allegedly received an unauthorized salary of 1 million baht per month from the Thai League’s management company, prompting an investigation by Thailand’s Sports Authority.

While he claimed to have repaid 32 million baht to FAT, Madam Pang said the association’s finance department has found no record of the repayment.

Lertsak Phattanachaikun, head of FAT’s financial audit committee, questioned the 30-million-baht legal expense, stating, "Lower court fees were set at 750,000 baht, and the appeal process cost 300,000 baht."

"Yet, for the Supreme Court, FAT inexplicably approved 30 million baht, despite a prior agreement setting the fee at 300,000 baht."

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Wednesday expressed sympathy for Madam Pang but said the ministry cannot financially assist with the association's debt.

Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, 57, heiress to one of Thailand’s wealthiest families with a net worth of US$890 million, previously managed the national men’s team in 2021-22, during which she spent almost 60 million baht and led them to back-to-back AFF Cup (now ASEAN Cup) titles.

She was elected as the association’s president last February after winning 68 out of 73 votes, making her the first woman in the role.

Somyot, meanwhile, explained to the Thai News Agency that the contract termination concerned the FAT’s right to take care of its benefits and privileges.

The former FAT president, who led it from 2016 to 2024, claimed Siam Sports sued for damages because it purchased a TV broadcasting mobile unit and other equipment in advance, not the broadcasting right.

The right to broadcast Thai League matches had also been granted to cable TV provider TrueVisions, he noted.

Regarding the FAT’s lawsuit against him, he said he is not concerned and is ready to defend himself against accusations.